"The right to criticize government is also an obligation to know what you are talking about."

-Lent Upson, first director of Citizens Research Council

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May 15, 2025

Is Michigan Getting the Most Out of Its Road Funding?

A recent Citizens Research Council report, “A Data-Driven Assessment of Michigan’s Road Program,” shows that Michigan ranks 40th among 50 states in road condition with a road funding rank of 30th. The state has done a relatively good job keeping major highways in good shape, but too many roads have slipped into poor condition. Data suggests that Michigan road agencies often fail to do routine maintenance, which could have mitigated this decline. A key reason may be that the pavement management systems used to prioritize road investments favor expensive fixes over low-cost maintenance. Without changes, Michigan risks spending more and more just to keep up.   

IN A NUTSHELL

 -- Michigan’s roads rank poorly despite near-average funding levels, with a troubling mix of roads in both very good and very poor condition, with too few maintained in fair condition to prevent decline.

 -- Data shows Michigan prioritizes expensive reconstruction and rehabilitation over routine preventative maintenance, leading to higher costs as more roads fall into disrepair.

 -- Michigan’s pavement management system directed by the state’s Transportation Asset Management Council fails to account for the benefits of preventative maintenance. An independent review is needed to ensure taxpayer money is spent effectively.

Catch Up On More Recent Reports:

• Michigan's Options in Response to Cuts in Federal Research Grants
• Federal Education Block Grants Could Be Opportunity for State Lawmakers to Address Inequities
• Uncertainty in Borrowing Costs May Be Ahead for Michigan's Local Governments

THANK YOU to everyone who supported our April 109th anniversary campaign!

Since 1916, Citizens Research Council has been providing robust and objective public policy and fiscal analysis, recommendations, and oversight for the benefit of Michigan's civic and business leaders, the media, and the general public. If you value the service we provide, it's never too late to support us:

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Midwest schools' May bond referendums result in poor outcomes, Bond Buyer (May 14)

‘Gutted.’ Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo, Manchester Mirror (May 6)

Road study raises questions, Traverse City Record-Eagle (May 12)

Michigan has more ‘good’ roads, but repairs still can’t keep up, MLive.com (May 12)

A plan to tax event tickets is gaining steam, Axios Detroit (May 9)

‘Gutted.’ Michigan losing $200M in fed research funding, with more in limbo, Bridge Michigan (May 6)

Opinion: Michigan must fix how it spends money on roads, Crain’s Detroit (May 2)