The poor road conditions in New York State are costing drivers an estimated $6.3 billion dollars a year. That’s according to the annual report from the national transportation research group, TRIP. They assess the quality of roads and bridges across the country. Director of Research Rocky Moretti says drivers in Syracuse are paying extra, because more than a quarter of the roads or 28 percent are in poor condition.
“That costs the average motorist here in the Syracuse Area $477 in additional vehicle operating costs. That’s because as pavements are in lousy condition and you feel that driving on these rough roads; it’s also beating up on your car.”
Lou Cannatta from Lou’s Car Care Center says the recent warm-up is creating the right conditions for more problems.
“The big thing, obviously with the potholes is the biggest damage you see is in suspension, tires and wheels Over the past week, I think we had four front spring replacements with struts. We’ve had (a) bent wheel, you get bulges in sidewalls of tires, so it’s very common this time of year. And this year more than most; I mean the roads are very poor.”
Before vehicle’s get to Cannatta’s service center, they might have to be towed there. Triple AAA Travel’s Diana Dibble says the number of calls for help from motorists typically spike significantly during winter.
“Last year alone, we responded in the Metro Syracuse Area, we responded to nearly 11,000 flat tire calls. So, we do understand repair bills can easily total hundreds of dollars.”
Dibble says State lawmakers should work to fix the dedicated Highway and Bridge Trust Fund that is currently paying out too much for debt services and operating expenses. She also says the Federal Government needs to pass a long-term, sustainable and well-funded highway bill. Review the Trip report here.
