The 5 States With the Worst Roads (And the 5 Best)

Are you unlucky enough to have some of the worst roads and bridges in the country?

truck driver driving on the highway
Updated Sept. 14, 2024
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In some states, it feels like construction work on local highways is a constant. While others badly need repairs. If you're going to be traveling any time soon, it's important to know which roads to avoid.

Every driver thinks their state may have the biggest issues with potholes or crumbling surface streets. However, only drivers driving across the country know for sure.

Before heading out on the road for another road trip, here are the states with the worst and best roads in the country, according to QuoteWizard, so you can get ahead financially by avoiding unnecessary car repairs.

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5. Maryland (Worst)

Kevin Ruck/Adobe City skyline Maryland

Maryland is the fifth-worst state for roads, with around 27% of its roads deemed non-acceptable.

Driving through Maryland might make you feel like you need to save money on car insurance and ensure full coverage.

However, Maryland drivers pay around $356 annually to fix infrastructure, which puts Maryland in the bottom 10 when it comes to spending per motorist by state.

4. Connecticut (Worst)

Gregory/Adobe summer sunset in Old Saybrook along the Connecticut River

Connecticut is one of two New England states in the top five for worst roads in the country.

The small state has 34% of its roads deemed non-acceptable, packing a big punch to drivers’ wallets. The state spends around $676 annually per motorist to fix the roads and infrastructure.

3. West Virginia (Worst)

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Charleston West Virginia USA

West Virginia may have the third-worst roads in the country, but the state is spending money to repair its problems.

Drivers in the state pay around $723 annually to fix the state’s infrastructure, which is equal to about 19% of the state’s budget.

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2. Mississippi (Worst)

Christopher Boswell/Adobe Capitol State House

Mississippi has the second-worst roads in the country. Around 27% of them need repair and are deemed unacceptable.

The state’s drivers each pay about $820 a year to fix the roads, putting it in the top five when it comes to cost per driver in each state to fix their roads.

1. Rhode Island (Worst)

kirkikis/Adobe classic New England town

Again, you may need to find ways to save money on car insurance if you’re driving on the roads in Rhode Island. It may be the country’s smallest state, but it has the biggest issue with roads.

Around 50% of the roads in the state are in poor condition, and repairs cost drivers about $823 per year. That ranks it as the third highest state in terms of costs for drivers to repair road issues.

5. Nebraska (Best)

Jacob/Adobe aerial view of downtown Lincoln Nebraska at twilight

Nebraska checks in as the state with the fifth-best roads in the country.

The Cornhusker State has only 11% of its roads deemed non-acceptable and 5% of its bridges considered in poor condition. Each driver in the state pays around $466 annually to maintain the infrastructure.

4. Iowa (Best)

Grindstone Media Grp/Adobe Des Moines Iowa

Another state that’s known for its corn also has well-maintained roads. Iowans pay around $362 per year per driver to maintain roads and bridges in the state.

In exchange, 8% of Iowa's roads and 10% of its bridges are considered to be in non-acceptable condition.

3. Idaho (Best)

SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Boise Idaho USA Downtown

In the Potato State, drivers can expect to pay $427 per motorist each year to maintain their roads and bridges.

Only 4% of the state’s roads and 5% of its bridges are deemed non-acceptable for drivers to use.

2. North Dakota (Best)

Jacob/Adobe aerial view of a large Public University in Fargo North Dakota

North Dakota is one of the most northern Midwest states and has some of the best roads.

The state has the second-best roads in the country overall, with 6% of its roads and 5% of its bridges falling into the non-acceptable category. Each driver pays around $479 annually to maintain the roads.

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1. Wyoming (Best)

Martina/Adobe road from Yellowstone National Park to Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming takes the top spot when it comes to the best roads in the United States. You may want to earn rewards when you fill up on gas if you drive to Yellowstone or Grand Tetons National Parks on safe and smooth roads.

Only 5% of the state's roads and 7% of its bridges are deemed non-acceptable. Drivers pay around $356 annually to have well-maintained roads.

Bottom line

ABCDstock/Adobe construction workers laying new asphalt road pavement

As you navigate the roads, look for any lingering construction, especially in areas that still need repair. Be extra cautious when driving through states that made the list for having poor roads.

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