Oklahoma Roads Are Bad But Getting Better, Study Says

Oklahoma ranks 5th in the nation when it comes to deficient roads and bridges, but experts say that's actually an improvement.

On average every year, Tulsa drivers spend 44 hours stuck in traffic. The report says that's just one reason why drivers end up losing over $2,000 a year in vehicle operating costs.  

All around town drivers know the impact street and bridge damage has on their cars. And in the end they are paying for it.

Drivers spend about $4.9 million every year to fix car damage caused by bad roads, time wasted sitting in traffic and gasoline. 
That's around $2,100 for every Tulsa driver and 2.200 for Oklahoma City drivers.

"We think this report helps show why that is absolutely critical that not only  the local government but state government stay the course in keeping that investment and support for transportation because it's going to save people money," said Rocky Moretti, with a national transportation research group called TRIP.

According to a new report by TRIP:

15 percent of Tulsa roads are in fair or good condition. 
85 percent are in mediocre or poor condition.

View the TRIP report.

ODOT says Oklahoma drivers have been supportive of all the road construction, but this report shows why that support is still necessary.

Mike Patterson with ODOT said, "If you look back maybe two or three reports ago with the TRIP organization we weren't looking good at all but we've made significant progress but we still have a long way to go."

ODOT has an eight-year construction plan to fix roads. If funding and support continue as it is, ODOT hopes the improvements will move Oklahoma from the bottom to the top in road conditions.

View ODOT's eight-year plan.

"We want you to drive on a better highway while you drive so it doesn't damage your car as you drive," Patterson said.

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