Survey: Metro Detroit Roads 4th Worst In Nation, Cost Drivers Nearly $900 Each Year

DETROIT (WWJ) -  We all know the roads in metro Detroit are in terrible shape, but just how bad is it? According to a recent survey, Detroit ranks fourth among large urban areas nationwide with the worst roads.

The report released Thursday by TRIP, a national transportation research group based in Washington, D.C., says 56 percent of major roads in the Detroit area are in poor condition, costing area drivers $866 each year in additional vehicle operating costs.

Driving on roads in disrepair increases consumer costs by accelerating vehicle deterioration and depreciation and increasing needed maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear, according to TRIP.

The report examines urban pavement conditions, transportation funding, travel trends and economic development for urban areas with populations of 250,000 or greater.

[RELATED: Detroit Ranks In Top 5 Worst Cities To Be A Driver]

"This report from TRIP validates what drivers already suspect – that the state's roads are among the roughest in the nation," Denise Donohue, director of the County Road Association of Michigan, said in a statement. "To improve the conditions of the state's roads will require additional funding from the state legislature and congressional approval of a long-term, adequately funded, federal surface transportation program."

Top 10 urban areas with pavements in poor conditions

1. San Francisco/Oakland, CA -- 74% of roads
2. Los Angeles/Long Beach/Santa Ana, CA -- 73% of roads
3. Concord, CA -- 62% of roads
4. Detroit, MI -- 56% of roads
5. San Jose, CA -- 53% of roads
6. Cleveland, OH -- 52% of roads
7. New York/Newark, NY -- 51% of roads
8. San Diego, CA -- 51% of roads
9. Grand Rapids, MI -- 51% of roads
10. Honolulu, HI -- 51% of roads

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Top 10 urban areas with highest vehicle operating costs

1. San Francisco/Oakland, CA -- $1,044 per driver
2. Los Angeles/Long Beach/Santa Ana, CA -- $1,031 per driver
3. Concord, CA -- $954 per driver
4. Tulsa, OK -- $928 per driver
5. Oklahoma City, OK -- $917 per driver
6. Detroit, MI -- $866 per driver
7. Cleveland, OH -- $845 per driver
8. San Jose, CA -- $844  per driver
9. San Diego, CA -- $843 per driver
10. San Antonio, TX -- $838 per driver

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