Illinois Roads: Why They’re Among the Worst in the U.S

Illinois Road Woes: A Deep Dive into Deteriorating Infrastructure

Published: March 20, 2025

“Illinois roads are bad” isn’t just an observation; it’s practically a
state motto. Like noting that “water is wet” or “it’s cold during
the winter,” it’s a self-evident truth, notably for those navigating
the state’s often-challenging roadways.

Typical Illinois Road Surface

The Paradox of Perpetual Construction

Illinois seemingly exists in two perpetual seasons: winter and road
construction.The sheer volume of construction projects should,
theoretically, translate to pristine roadways. Yet, the reality falls far
short.

The Reason foundation‘s 28th Annual Highway Report,a comprehensive
assessment of state roadway conditions,examines factors ranging from pavement
quality to bridge integrity,urban congestion,fatality rates,and overall
infrastructure costs. The report card for Illinois? Disappointing.

A common sight on illinois roadways: The dreaded pothole

Falling Behind: Illinois’ Declining Ranking

The situation appears to be worsening. Illinois’ ranking in the reason
Foundation report has slipped, highlighting a concerning trend in roadway
quality.

Illinois currently ranks 36th
out of 50 states.This places Illinois behind all of its
Midwestern neighbors.

• Missouri: 9th
• Kentucky: 11th
• Indiana: 20th
• Wisconsin: 26th
• Iowa: 31st

Illinois roads need brighter days ahead

Top and Bottom Performers: A National Comparison

To provide context, let’s examine the states with the best and worst road
conditions, according to the Reason Foundation’s 28th annual Highway Report.

The top 5 states are:

• north Carolina
• South Carolina
• North Dakota
• Virginia
• Tennessee

The bottom 5 states are:

• Louisiana (46th)
• washington (47th)
• Hawaii (48th)
• California (49th)
• Alaska (50th)

potholes such as this one plague roads across United States

Illinois by the Numbers: A Detailed Breakdown

Here’s a deeper look at Illinois’ performance in specific categories, revealing
the nuances behind the overall ranking:

Category	Ranking
Urban Interstate Pavement Condition	37th
rural Interstate Pavement condition	29th
Urban Arterial Pavement Condition	34th
rural Arterial Pavement Condition	42nd
Structurally Deficient Bridges	38th
Urban Fatality Rate	21st
Rural Fatality Rate	16th
Traffic Congestion	46th
maintenance Spending (repaving roads, filling potholes)	24th
Gas Tax	2nd

one particularly striking statistic is Illinois’ 2nd highest gas tax in the
nation combined with dismal road conditions. It raises the question:
Where is the money going? This issue is a persistent concern for Illinois
taxpayers who feel they are not getting their money’s worth when it comes to
road infrastructure.

Fresh Insights and Analysis

While Illinois’ high gas tax should theoretically provide ample funding for
road maintenance, the state’s infrastructure woes persist. Experts suggest
several contributing factors, including:

• Inefficient allocation of funds: A significant portion of transportation
  funds may be diverted to projects that do not directly address road
  maintenance, such as new construction or administrative costs.
• Poor construction practices: Substandard materials or construction
  techniques can lead to premature road deterioration, requiring more frequent
  and costly repairs.
• Political interference: Infrastructure projects can sometimes be
  influenced by political considerations rather than engineering needs,
  resulting in less effective solutions.
• Extreme weather conditions: Illinois’ harsh winters, with frequent
  freeze-thaw cycles, exacerbate road damage and accelerate deterioration.

To address these issues, Illinois needs to implement comprehensive reforms to
improve clarity and accountability in transportation funding, prioritize
road maintenance over new construction in certain cases, and adopt more
durable and cost-effective construction practices.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

Some might argue that Illinois’ road conditions are improving due to recent
infrastructure investments. While it’s true that the state has allocated
significant funds to road repairs and upgrades, the impact of these
investments may not be instantly apparent. Moreover,the sheer scale of
the problem means that it will take years to fully address the backlog of
deferred maintenance and bring Illinois’ roads up to par.

Another counterargument might be that Illinois’ high gas tax is necessary to
fund transportation projects and maintain existing infrastructure. However,
critics contend that the state’s gas tax is excessive and disproportionately
burdens low-income residents.They advocate for choice funding sources,
such as toll roads or congestion pricing, which could generate revenue
without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.

LOOK: the longest highways in America

Gallery Credit: Hannah lang

What are the potential consequences of illinois’ high gas tax failing to translate into improved road conditions?

Interview: Dr. Evelyn Reed on Illinois Road Infrastructure

Archyde News Editor: Welcome,dr. Reed. Thank you for joining us. For our readers, you’re a leading transportation infrastructure specialist.

Dr.Evelyn Reed: Thank you for having me. it’s a pleasure to be here.

Illinois Roads: A Critical Assessment

Archyde News editor: Let’s dive right in. Illinois’ roads have become a significant concern. The recent Reason Foundation report places the state at 36th overall. Can you give us your take on why Illinois is falling behind in terms of road quality?

Dr. Evelyn reed: Certainly. The report highlights several key issues. We see a combination of factors at play: inefficient fund allocation, the impact of extreme weather, and perhaps, subpar construction practices.While Illinois has a high gas tax, the money isn’t always being directed effectively to road maintenance. It’s alarming knowing that Illinois is behind neighboring states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana.

The Impact of High Gas Taxes

Archyde News Editor: Speaking of gas taxes, Illinois has the second-highest in the nation. Yet, as we’ve discussed, the roads aren’t reflecting that investment. What are your thoughts on this paradox?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: It’s a critical point. The high gas tax raises questions about accountability and where the money is being spent. Are funds being diverted to non-essential projects? are there significant administrative costs? Are projects influenced by political needs over engineering ones? These are critical questions taxpayers deserve answers to.

Addressing the Root Causes

Archyde News Editor: Beyond funding, what specific steps can be taken to improve Illinois’ road infrastructure challenges?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Thorough reforms are vital. This includes improving funding transparency, prioritizing road maintenance, and adopting better construction practices. We also need to consider alternative funding sources. Toll roads and congestion pricing could provide revenue without placing an undue burden on low-income residents, especially with the state’s high cost of living.

Looking Ahead: A Path Forward

Archyde News Editor: Illinois faces some significant challenges. Do you see things improving in the near future, or is it a long road ahead toward better roads in the state? Or does more need to be fixed?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: It will likely be a long road. While investments are being made, the sheer scale of the problem represents a multi-year undertaking. even with improvements, the impact may not be immediately apparent. The backlog of deferred maintenance is substantial. I hope Illinois begins to see more bright days with solutions soon, especially for those who face the daily stress of driving on deteriorating roads.

reader Engagement

Archyde News Editor: Dr. Reed,thank you for this insightful discussion. For our readers,what do you think is the most pressing issue regarding Illinois road infrastructure,and what can they do to advocate for change?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: One of the most pressing issues is the lack of accountability, which drives the public’s negative experience with illinois roads. Readers should learn more about how local and state governments spend road budgets,call their representatives,and,most importantly,become informed citizens. what do you think? Leave your comments below.