Study finds road conditions cost Rochester drivers $1,747 per year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Road conditions across the state could cost New Yorkers up to $28 billion a year according to new research from TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.

TRIP said the figure breaks down to $1,747 per Rochester driver. The only regions paying more because of traffic are New York City and Buffalo.

The study cited higher vehicle operating costs, car accidents and congestion as the leading causes for the high price tag.

“We know that when roadway safety improvements are made, everything from adding rumble strips to adding turn lanes, improving lighting and signing, using skid-resistant pavement on curbs, adding guardrails, safety provisions for cyclists and pedestrians, these all have a huge impact on improving traffic safety,” said TRIP Director of Policy and Research Rocky Moretti.

The New York State Department of Transportation increased funding for roads highways and bridges from $4.3 billion in 2018 to $6 billion last year.