Reason on the Roads

The Reason Foundation that is. And yet another ranking study, this one on transportation. The 17th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems (1986-2006) just came out (h/t the Spokesman-Review's editorial page blog).

Here's what Reason says about us:

Washington ranked 39th in overall performance and cost-effectiveness. In last year?s rankings, Washington ranked 32nd overall. Washington is 24th in urban interstate congestion, with 42.76 percent congested. The state ranks 42nd in rural interstate condition and 45th in urban interstate condition. Washington ranks 32nd in deficient bridges?26.18 percent of the state?s bridges are deemed structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Washington is 13th in the nation in fatality rates per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Although we've made progress, infrastucture investment in the state remains well below documented needs. High gas prices, which have reduced gas tax revenues and boosted the costs of asphalt and other construction materials, have guaranteed that there will not be enough money to cover projects already approved by the voters and lawmakers.