Report: 'Poor' or 'mediocre' roads costing NM drivers big bucks
Posted at: 02/06/2013 10:19 AM
| Updated at: 02/06/2013 10:31 AM
By: Erica Zucco, KOB Eyewitness News 4
A new report by the TRIP transportation research group shows New Mexico roads are costing Albuquerque and Santa Fe drivers big bucks.
The report uses data from the Federal Highway Administration and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and was paid for in part by insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers.
The report showed 21 percent of major roads and highways in New Mexico are in poor or mediocre condition. Albuquerque has 20 percent rated as being in poor condition and 24 percent are mediocre.
In Santa Fe, 15 percent of roads rate as poor and 18 percent as mediocre. TRIP says roads in poor condition show rutting, cracks and potholes.
Driving on rough roads causes the average New Mexico driver $236 a year in operating costs. In Albuquerque, it costs $392, and in Santa Fe, $310.
The report also references traffic congestion in Albuquerque. TRIP says it has increased dramatically over the past few years, costing the average driver $658 in lost time and fuel and 29 hours per year being stuck in traffic.
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