New York’s Crumbling Roads: Mistake or Mismanagement?

If you live in New York State you know how bad our roads and bridges are to travel on. It’s a case of dodging potholes and hoping the bridge infrastructure with its obvious rusted openings and wobbly support doesn’t collapse. But did you know New York is among the highest spenders on its roads and at the same time ranks among the worst in results. Before Informed NY delves into one possible reason for this scenario, let’s go over some stats.

The state pours money into its highway system but ranks 41st in capital and bridge spending, 42nd in maintenance, and 40th in administrative costs. That means we’re spending more than most states, yet somehow getting less in return. The roads are still crumbling. The traffic is still brutal. And the drivers are still paying the price.

As of 2024, New York State has approximately 17,642 highway bridges, with 1,664 or about 9.4% classified as structurally deficient. This designation indicates that one or more key structural elements, such as the deck, superstructure, or substructure, are in poor or worse condition. While this is a slight improvement from previous years, it still places New York among the states with the highest number of deficient bridges and yet we do not put adequate money into this problem despite receiving billions under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. And, the issue is particularly pronounced in certain regions. For instance, in 2023, the Mid-Hudson and Capital District regions had the highest percentage of local bridges rated in poor condition, at 13.9% and 13.7%. This points to obvious mismanagement but what can be other reasons.

So let’s look at some of the reasons for this problem.

New York State’s ongoing struggles with deteriorating roads and persistent potholes stand in contrast to the proactive measures adopted by neighboring states including implementing innovative materials and administrative strategies to enhance road durability and maintenance efficiency.

Polymer-Modified Asphalt (PMA) has emerged as a superior alternative to traditional asphalt. Studies from Iowa State University indicate that PMA, despite its higher initial cost, significantly reduces long-term maintenance expenses by preventing cracks and potholes. Its enhanced flexibility and resistance to environmental stressors make it a preferred choice for long-lasting road surfaces. In Minnesota, researchers have explored the use of taconite-based materials and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in asphalt mixtures. These additives improve compaction and tensile strength, leading to more durable repairs, especially in harsh winter conditions. The United Kingdom has taken a futuristic approach by developing self-healing road surfaces. Engineers have incorporated recycled cooking oil encapsulated in plant-based capsules into asphalt. When micro-cracks form, the capsules release oil to seal the cracks, potentially extending road lifespan by 30%. This is groundbreaking and must be implemented here in the United States.

Other states have also implemented administrative strategies that produce effective road maintenance. Effective road maintenance isn’t solely about materials; administrative practices play a crucial role. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) emphasizes the importance of preventive maintenance, including regular pavement inspections, timely crack sealing, and efficient drainage systems to prevent water infiltration, a primary cause of potholes. Cities like Boston have leveraged technology to involve citizens in road maintenance. The Boston 311 service allows residents to report potholes, enabling quicker response times and reducing the number of incidents. Similarly, Baltimore’s #BuildBetterBMORE initiative successfully repaired 19,000 potholes in just 90 days, showcasing the impact of coordinated administrative efforts. And in Pennsylvania, the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has established a Customer Care Center where residents can report roadway concerns, including potholes. This system ensures that maintenance crews can address issues promptly, improving overall road conditions. By adopting advanced materials and proactive administrative strategies, these states have made significant strides in road maintenance and pothole prevention. New York State could benefit from evaluating and potentially integrating similar approaches to enhance its road infrastructure.

And another reason New York State has been plagued with crumbling roads and bridges falls on the weight of mismanagement and corruption which can be corrected with increased transparency and accountability.

New York State’s infrastructure spending has been marred by numerous instances of mismanagement and corruption, leading to inefficiencies and public distrust.

Here are some notable examples:

State Contractor Fraud: In 2018, a state contractor was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The contractor submitted fake invoices to conceal the fact that he was not purchasing the materials needed for bridge maintenance contracts in the Buffalo and Binghamton regions, resulting in over $1 million in fraudulent payments.

MTA Financial Mismanagement: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has faced criticism for reckless spending and negligence. Assemblyman Mike Reilly highlighted that billions of dollars have been lost to waste, fraud, and mismanagement, burdening commuters with higher fares and congestion pricing. Calls for a forensic audit have been made to hold the MTA accountable and implement real solutions.

DocGo Contract Mismanagement: An audit revealed that the New York City administration mismanaged a contract with DocGo, a migrant services provider. The city wasted millions of dollars on unused hotel rooms, unauthorized subcontractors, and failed to ensure promised social and casework services. The administration was criticized for inadequate vetting and oversight of the company.

Political Corruption Cases: Several New York politicians have been convicted for corruption related to infrastructure and public funds. For instance, former State Senator Guy Velella pleaded guilty to conspiracy for accepting bribes in exchange for steering public-works contracts. Similarly, former Assemblyman William Boyland Jr. was convicted on multiple counts, including bribery and mail fraud, for soliciting bribes and misusing public funds.

And, who knows how many more cases have not come to light. These instances underscore the need for increased transparency and accountability in New York State’s infrastructure spending to ensure that public funds are used effectively and ethically.

And NYS must look at the long term potential effect of its decisions that may be counterproductive. Traffic congestion in New York is among the worst in the country. The state ranks 47th in congestion, with drivers losing an average of 68 hours a year sitting in traffic. That’s more than a day of lost productivity per person, not to mention the environmental cost of idling vehicles and the stress it places on commuters. High spending, bad roads, and long delays—that’s the current state of our highway system.

The question isn’t whether we can afford to fix our roads. It’s whether we can afford to keep wasting this much money without accountability. Until there is real transparency in how infrastructure dollars are allocated and spent, New Yorkers will keep paying more and getting less. The data is clear: the road we’re on is broken—and it’s time to fix it.