KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri's roads are the eighth-worst in the nation, according to a recent study.
The report, which was published by QuoteWizard but relied on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, ranked states based on the overall quality of road conditions.
The rankings were based the percentage of roads in poor condition, annual cost per motorist and the percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the state. Missouri motorists pay an average of $699 annually due to poor roads.
"Maybe this survey is the start of showing people the rest of the country is looking at us saying your roads are in poor condition, there needs to be something done about that," David Kissick, vice president of Kissick Construction and president of the Heavy Constructors Association, said.
One solution to get Missouri off the top 10 list is to add more money to the state's infrastructure budget.
"We have to develop a viable funding mechanism to fix these roads and to fix them in the correct way, not just putting band aids on our crumbling roads," Kissick said.
Another way the quality of roads impacts the Kansas City region is how much development happens.
"If a company wants to relocate or expand to the Missouri area, infrastructure is one of the first things they are going to look at and can our infrastructure hold up to their needs?" Kissick said.
A common gripe after last winter was the barrage of potholes plaguing KC's streets. Insurance agent Tom DeMasters said he saw a 50% increase in claims.
"It's considered a collision because you collided with a hole, which affects your rates, so if you turn in a claim and they pay you something, your rate just went up 10 or 15% for three years," DeMasters said.
During its last session, the Missouri legislature compromised on a resolution that would allow the Missouri Department of Transportation to bond $301 million to repair or replace 215 bridges. The bonds funding the 215 bridges will be paid back with general revenue over a seven-year period.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson sent the following statement to 41 Action News:
"From day one, workforce development and infrastructure have been top priorities for our administration," Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement to 41 Action News. "To make Missouri more competitive, we’re making strategic investments in these areas that will drive growth going forward."
Kansas ranked 27th nationally in the study.
—
