10 American States With The Worst Highways

America runs on highways. From family road trips to late-night drives with music turned up, highways keep us connected. But let’s face it, not every stretch of road is smooth sailing. Some highways are so beat up that driving on them feels like an obstacle course. Potholes, poor lighting, confusing signs, and crumbling bridges turn what should be a simple commute into an irritating, even dangerous, adventure.

If you’ve ever hit a crater-sized pothole and said a few choice words, you know what we’re about to discuss. Here are 10 of the worst offenders, according to complaints, road quality data, and personal horror stories that sound like scenes from an action movie.

California

Drivers in California spend more time stuck in traffic than they do moving. On top of that, nearly half of the roads are in poor condition. Cracks and potholes are the norm, especially in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The weather is great, but the roads don’t show it. People joke that driving here is more expensive because your tires take a regular beating.

Hawaii

You’d think paradise would come with smoother roads, right? Nope. Hawaii may have beautiful views and beaches, but the highways are worn down and riddled with bumps. The constant mix of tropical heat and sudden rainstorms makes the pavement crack. Repairs are slow, and even new stretches don’t stay nice for long. Locals often complain that repairs take a long time, especially on Oahu.

New Jersey

This state has some of the most hated highways in the country. The New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway are notorious for traffic, narrow lanes, and potholes that feel like mini sinkholes. The snow and salt only exacerbate the problem. And let’s not forget the tolls; it feels like you’re paying to ruin your suspension.

Louisiana

Driving in Louisiana often feels like riding a roller coaster you didn’t sign up for. The highways are bumpy, uneven, and constantly under construction. With the state’s swampy terrain and heavy rains, roads wear out fast. Add poor drainage and limited funding to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Locals joke that if your car makes it through Baton Rouge without shaking apart, it deserves a medal.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be small, but its highway problems are big. A good chunk of the state’s roads are in poor shape, and the bridges aren’t much better. A report once showed that nearly a quarter of Rhode Island’s bridges were structurally deficient. That’s not exactly comforting when you’re driving over one at 65 mph.

Mississippi

Mississippi roads are often cracked, rough, and poorly patched. Potholes are common, particularly in rural areas where maintenance is often inconsistent. Some drivers report that even new pavement begins to break apart within one to two years. And the lack of lighting and signage in some areas makes night driving feel risky.

Michigan

Winter does a number on Michigan’s roads. The freezing and thawing cycle causes endless cracks and potholes. Even in the warmer months, the damage lingers. Detroit and Flint get most of the complaints, with drivers saying they’ve just accepted that road repairs are temporary. It’s gotten so bad that people joke about “pothole season” as if it’s an actual time of year.

Connecticut

Connecticut’s highways are often congested and in need of serious repair. Some stretches of I-95 look like they haven’t been touched in decades. The wear and tear is especially severe in coastal areas, where salt damages the roads more quickly. Add narrow lanes and confusing exits, and you’ve got a stressful experience every time you drive.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania spends a significant amount on roads, but drivers still frequently complain. I-76 and I-95 are famous for their rough patches, endless construction, and confusing signs. Ice and snow in the winter accelerate the damage, and the repairs never seem to keep pace. You’ll also find that tolls aren’t cheap, making it frustrating to pay for roads that don’t feel worth it.

South Carolina

South Carolina has shown improvement in recent years, but it still ranks poorly in terms of highway quality. Drivers often report potholes, crumbling shoulders, and sudden drop-offs. Heavy truck traffic and a growing population put more strain on the roads, but funding doesn’t always match that growth. You’ll often hear complaints about how repairs seem to target the wrong spots or never get finished.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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