Deep DiveTL;DR
- Nebraska ranks 3rd worst for road quality with 32% of roads in poor condition and a roughness index of 137.7, per MoneyGeek/FHWA data.
- The state spends $37,166 per lane mile, ranking 17th highest nationally. Only 16 states spend more per mile, yet Nebraska's roads are worse than 47 others.
- Nebraska and Rhode Island are the two clearest examples of the spending paradox: high investment, poor outcomes.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Stat | Number | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road roughness index (3rd worst) | 137.7 | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Roads in poor condition | 32% | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Roads in poor condition (urban) | 33% | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Spending per lane mile | $37,166 | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Spending intensity rank | 17th highest | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Annual highway budget | $1.6 billion | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
Last verified: April 2026
Nebraska is not a state you expect to see near the top of a worst roads list. It is flat, relatively low-traffic, and spends more per lane mile than 33 other states. Yet there it is: 3rd worst in America with 32% of roads in poor condition.
The Numbers Do Not Add Up
At $37,166 per lane mile, Nebraska outspends states with dramatically better roads:
| State | Spending per mile | Roads in poor condition |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $37,166 | 32% |
| New Hampshire | $18,658 | 5% |
| Alabama | $19,333 | 4% |
| Georgia | $15,995 | 4% |
| Minnesota | $22,004 | 4% |
Nebraska spends more than double what Georgia spends and has roads that are 8 times worse by percentage of poor-condition miles. Something is structurally wrong with how the money is being deployed.
Possible Explanations
Extreme temperature range. Nebraska experiences both harsh winters and hot summers. The temperature range from winter lows (-20F) to summer highs (100F+) creates more thermal stress cycles than states with less extreme swings.
Expansive soil. Parts of Nebraska have clay-heavy soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. This movement creates stress on road bases that accelerates surface failure.
Heavy agricultural traffic. Farm equipment and grain trucks put enormous stress on roads not designed for those loads, especially county and state routes.
Spending allocation. High per-mile spending does not mean the money is going to the right places. If a disproportionate share goes to new construction rather than maintenance of existing roads, the overall condition deteriorates.
What This Means for Nebraska Drivers
With 33% of urban roads in poor condition, Nebraska's metro drivers (Omaha, Lincoln) face road damage costs at or above the national urban average of $750 per year. Rural drivers face different but also significant costs from rough pavement on state highways.
The 25% tariff on imported tires compounds the problem, pushing up the cost of every tire replacement.
What You Should Do
- Get alignment checked twice per year, especially after spring thaw and before winter.
- Budget $50 to $70 per month for road-related vehicle maintenance.
- Report road damage through the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
- Buy tires before you need them to lock in current pricing ahead of tariff increases.
- Consider winter tires for November through March to reduce pothole impact damage.
Part of the "America's Most Expensive Roads" series. Read the national overview for the full state ranking and tariff breakdown.