April 12, 2024

By Lane Kimble

The quality of Wisconsin’s more than 101,000 miles of local roads fell nearly 7% since 2010 and will likely get worse without measured and ongoing investments.

The non-partisan Wisconsin Policy Forum detailed that notion in its latest extensive report, released late last week.

“For businesses, roads are the arteries that carry the lifeblood of commerce and help ensure it is flowing smoothly,” the report states in its introduction.  “In Wisconsin, local roads are especially important because they provide a vital link for farm and timber producers in far corners of the state to global markets. If these roads fall into disrepair, they represent a drag on the economy.”

Local roads are rated on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best.  Statewide, roads average a 6.23 on that scale.  Madison, for example, averages a 6.87 while Milwaukee’s streets average a 5.08.

According to the WPF, only 3% of municipalities statewide had an average of 8 or above.  Price County has the worst local roads in the state based on this scale, coming in at 4.85.

The new Agriculture Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) and the ongoing LRIP funding can make a positive impact, the report suggests, but further work and spending is needed.

“For now, the state’s roads remain in generally good condition and timely investment could help ensure that remains true for years to come,” the report concludes.  “A failure to do so, however, could mean a bumpier and more costly ride in the future.”