Study: Texas roads are crumbling

HOUSTON – A new report on transportation in Texas shows that Houstonians pay more than other drivers in the state because of bad roads and congestion.

It might surprise drivers to learn that 47 percent of major roads in Houston are in poor or mediocre condition, according to a report by TRIP, a national transportation research group.

Carolyn Bonifas, TRIP's associate director of research, said Houston drivers spend more than $1,000 a year on congestion, more than drivers in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas.

According to the report, traffic congestion in the Houston area is getting worse.

Each Houstonian spends an average of 57 hours a year in traffic. Waiting in that traffic wastes an average of 28 gallons of fuel each year.

The report said poor transportation conditions cost Texas drivers $23 billion a year.

Bonifas said current transportation funding levels in the state don't cover the cost of maintaining Texas roads, which means the price tag will continue to go up.

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