The County Road Association of Michigan has released a plan for getting roads under the jurisdiction of counties back into good condition. Its “Michigan County Road Investment Plan” concludes another $2 billion in annual funding is needed for the state’s county road and bridge network. Association Director Denise Donahue tells WSJM News there isn’t often an assessment of local road needs.
“County road agencies are responsible for 75% of the road miles and over 50% of the bridges in Michigan, and we really have not had a number since 1984 about what the need is for the system,” Donahue said.
Looking at those county roads showed much work needs to be done.
“We know of the county systems, 55% of our federal-aid roads are rated as poor.”
The data also shows more than 64% of local and primary county roads ineligible for federal aid are in poor condition. To get 90% of those federally-eligible roads in good or fair condition would take that $2 billion per year. Donahue says a big investment is needed by the state and township governments. You can find the County Road Association’s report right here.
