Deep DiveTL;DR
- Rhode Island has the second-worst roads in America, with 36% of lane-miles in poor condition and a roughness index of 139.3, per MoneyGeek/FHWA data.
- The state spends $35,087 per lane mile, ranking 20th highest nationally. That is nearly double what New Hampshire spends, yet New Hampshire has the best roads in the country.
- This is the spending paradox in its purest form. Rhode Island drivers pay for road investment through taxes and tolls, then pay again through vehicle damage.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Stat | Number | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road roughness index (2nd worst) | 139.3 | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Roads in poor condition | 36% | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Roads in poor condition (urban) | 32% | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Spending per lane mile | $35,087 | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Spending intensity rank | 20th highest | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
| Annual highway budget | $781 million | MoneyGeek / FHWA | 2025 |
Last verified: April 2026
Rhode Island is the smallest state in America. It also has one of the worst road problems, and one of the most instructive.
With a roughness index of 139.3 and 36% of lane-miles in poor condition, Rhode Island ranks second-worst nationally, behind only California. But unlike California, which has a massive road network spread across a huge state, Rhode Island has just 1,102 miles of state-maintained road. It should be manageable.
It is not.
The Spending Paradox
Rhode Island spends $35,087 per lane mile on highways. That ranks 20th highest in the nation. For context:
| State | Spending per lane mile | Road quality rank |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $18,658 | #1 (best) |
| Georgia | $15,995 | #3 (best) |
| Rhode Island | $35,087 | #49 (2nd worst) |
| California | $19,980 | #50 (worst) |
Rhode Island spends nearly twice what New Hampshire spends per mile and gets roads that are 48 positions worse in the national ranking. New Hampshire has 78% of roads rated good. Rhode Island has 32% rated poor in urban areas.
Why the Money Is Not Working
Several factors explain the disconnect:
Deferred maintenance backlog. Rhode Island went decades underinvesting in road maintenance. Recent spending increases are catching up on a massive backlog, not improving quality. The state is spending more just to keep roads from getting even worse.
Harsh coastal climate. Rhode Island gets salt spray, freeze-thaw cycles, and nor'easters. The coastal climate accelerates pavement degradation faster than inland states.
High construction costs. As a densely populated northeastern state, Rhode Island faces above-average labor, materials, and right-of-way costs. Every dollar buys less actual road work.
Small state, big problems. With a small total network, individual road failures have an outsized impact on the state's overall quality metrics.
What This Costs Rhode Island Drivers
Urban drivers nationally pay up to $750 per year in extra vehicle costs from rough roads, according to TRIP. Rhode Island drivers, with the second-worst roads and dense urban driving patterns, are at or above that figure.
The 25% tariff on imported tires and parts compounds the problem. Rhode Island drivers are effectively paying three times for bad roads:
- Through taxes and tolls that fund road spending
- Through vehicle damage from roads that remain in poor condition
- Through higher repair costs from tariff-inflated parts
What You Should Do
- Get alignment and suspension checked every spring after the freeze-thaw season ends.
- Budget $50 to $75 per month for road-related vehicle maintenance.
- Report road conditions through the Rhode Island DOT's maintenance request system.
- Consider road hazard tire warranties given the state's poor road quality.
- Shop tire prices early. With tariff increases still flowing through, buying now saves money versus waiting.
Part of the "America's Most Expensive Roads" series. Read the national overview for the full state ranking and tariff breakdown.