Another ‘Worst in the US’ Ranking for New Jersey
New Jersey ranked as the worst state in road congestion and road quality
New Jersey is known for many things, including its diverse population, its vibrant culture, and its delicious food. But one thing that New Jersey is not known for is its good roads. In fact, New Jersey has been ranked as the worst state in the country for road congestion and road quality, according to a recent study by MoneyGeek.
Road congestion
New Jersey has the highest level of road congestion in the country. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, the average driver in New Jersey spends 57 hours per year sitting in traffic. This is more than twice the national average.
There are a number of factors that contribute to New Jersey's traffic congestion. One factor is the state's high population density. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, with over 1,200 people per square mile. This means that there are a lot of people trying to drive on a relatively small amount of road.
Another factor that contributes to New Jersey's traffic congestion is the state's geography. New Jersey is located in the middle of the Northeast Corridor, which is one of the most densely populated regions in the country. This means that New Jersey's roads are used by a lot of people who are traveling to and from other states.
Road quality
New Jersey also has the second-worst road quality in the country, according to MoneyGeek. Only 65.8% of New Jersey's roads are in good condition. This means that more than one-third of New Jersey's roads are in poor or fair condition.
The poor quality of New Jersey's roads is due to a number of factors, including the state's harsh winters and its high volume of traffic. New Jersey's winters are known for their heavy snowfall and ice storms. This can damage roads and cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Additionally, New Jersey's high volume of traffic puts a lot of wear and tear on the roads.
Impact of road congestion and poor road quality
The high level of road congestion and poor road quality in New Jersey has a number of negative impacts on the state's residents and businesses.
First, it can make it difficult and time-consuming to get around. This can be a major inconvenience for commuters, businesses, and tourists.
Second, it can lead to increased vehicle maintenance costs. Potholes and other road defects can damage cars and trucks. Additionally, drivers who are stuck in traffic may have to idle their engines, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions.
Third, it can have a negative impact on the state's economy. Businesses may be less likely to relocate to or expand in New Jersey if they know that their employees and customers will have to deal with heavy traffic and poor roads.
Source: https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/analysis/best-worst-driving-states/
What can be done?
There are a number of things that can be done to improve New Jersey's roads and reduce traffic congestion.
First, the state needs to invest in improving the condition of its roads. This includes repairing potholes, repaving roads, and replacing aging bridges.
Second, the state needs to find ways to reduce traffic congestion. This could be done by improving public transportation, encouraging carpooling and vanpooling, and building new roads and bridges.
Third, the state needs to work with businesses and residents to find innovative ways to reduce traffic congestion. For example, businesses could offer flexible work hours or allow their employees to work remotely. Residents could also choose to live closer to where they work and avoid driving during peak traffic times.
Improving New Jersey's roads and reducing traffic congestion will be a challenge, but it is an important one. By investing in its infrastructure and working with businesses and residents, New Jersey can make it a better place to live and work.
Additional details and statistics
According to the Reason Foundation's 2023 Annual Highway Report, New Jersey has the worst highway system in the country. New Jersey ranked last in the nation in road conditions, cost effectiveness, and overall highway performance.
New Jersey has the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country, at 7.8%.
New Jersey has the highest annual toll costs per vehicle in the country, at $1,235.
New Jersey has the third-highest gas prices (behind California and Hawaii) in the country, at an average of $3.715 per gallon.
Source: https://reason.org/wp-content/uploads/27th-annual-highway-report-state-by-state-summaries.pdf
