Researchers Say Sacramento's Bad Roads Are Bad For Business
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - California risks losing new business and jobs due to it's bad roads and traffic congestion according to a new report.
Researchers from the national transportation organization The Road Information Program say the state's bad roads cost drivers $44 billion each year in accidents, vehicle damage and lost productivity.
TRIP says modern and efficient roadways are vital to attracting new businesses and spurring economic development.
In the Sacramento area, nearly one-third of the roads are rated as "poor" due to cracks, potholes, and other defects, and 62 bridges are considered "structurally deficient."
Bad roads are also contributing to the growing number of fatalities on California roadways.
Currently, drivers are four times more likely to die on rural California roads - a number that could be reduced by roadway improvements according to TRIP.
TRIP says installing better lighting, wider lanes, rumble strips, shoulders, and guard rails would reduce the number of accidents.
The report concludes that a significant boost in highway funding is needed to expand and fix California's roadways in order to maintain economic growth.