Asheville Drivers Losing Hundreds Each Year Thanks to Deplorable Road Conditions, Report Reveals

Asheville, N.C

Motorists in Asheville, North Carolina, are losing approximately $428 annually due to poor road and bridge conditions in the city, according to a recent report. The study, released by TRIP, a National Transportation Research Nonprofit, delves into the state of local roads and bridges and the cost they impose upon drivers.

Returning to Pre-Pandemic Traffic Congestion

TRIP’s report cogently termed as “Keeping North Carolina Mobile,” highlights that traffic congestion levels are now comparable to pre-pandemic times across the state. The recent rise in road use offers the most precise data in recent years, signaling that one-third of North Carolina’s major roadways present motorists with pavements in mediocre or poor conditions. Overall, these unfavorable road conditions cost drivers a staggering $5 billion annually in additional vehicle operating costs.

Insufficient Road Conditions in Asheville

Delving into Asheville’s road conditions, the report reveals that 11% of the city’s crucial roadways showcase poor conditions, with an additional 16% in mediocre condition. Bridge conditions are not faring much better, with 8% requiring immediate repairs due to poor conditions and a further 61% needing continuous maintenance as they exist in a fair state.

Effects of Roadway Construction

The impacts of current roadway construction, such as the ongoing Interstate 26 interchange, may present some relief. However, road users are currently locked in traffic for an average of 34 hours each year, wasting some 13 gallons of fuel due to congestion, attributable to existing road conditions. In monetary terms, that’s costing each driver a hefty sum of $849 annually in lost time and wasted fuel.

Reinvestment in Infrastructure

As current infrastructure projects are completed, they could offer an alternative route for motorists, allows the city to reinvest in the existing infrastructure. “In addition to safety improvements, infrastructure addition in our regions provides an opportunity for reinvestment in existing infrastructure because there’s an alternative path of travel while our transportation agency makes other investments,” an important figure of the city’s Chamber of Commerce commented on the state of infrastructure localities.

The Full Report

To learn more about the aforementioned issues, statistics, and reports on Asheville’s road conditions and their implications on vehicle operating costs, please visit the Keeping North Carolina Mobile report on the TRIP website.

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