Study says “The Crossroads of America” are aging.

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You’re correct if you think the best paved road in Indiana is the one inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indiana’s “Crossroads of America” are aging. The average local bridge is 46 years old, and 16% are over 70 years old, nearing the end of their lifespan. Only 28% of roads in cities and towns are in good condition, with 31% in poor condition. 3,109 bridges need to be replaced while another 598 bridges could be rehabilitated.

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Fixing poor crossroads and bridges costs between $150,000 to $1.5 million per mile. Analysts estimate that Indiana would need an extra $2.4 billion over the next ten years to eliminate poorly rated roads and bridges.

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The cost to preserve current conditions is $987 million, while improving them would require $1.8 billion.

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The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), a partnership with the state and Purdue University, shared these findings. Jennifer Sharkey, a lead engineer, presented the data to the Funding Indiana’s Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow Task Force.

Sharkey added. “Also, we did not include new infrastructure. We only look at the existing network and its existing configuration.”

Most of Indiana’s road funding comes from gas taxes. The report states that as more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles are chosen, gas taxes are not sufficient for the state’s needs. Other states have started using alternative taxes, like fees on delivery vehicles or toll roads. Does this mean Indiana’s gas tax is going to increase?

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