The Worst Highways in the Nation
Dateline: 04/18/00
Taking a weekend car trip to Memphis brought the recent University of North Carolina at Charlotte highway study to my mind. The study once again ranked Arkansas highways among the worst in the country. As a matter of fact, there are only 3 states (New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey) with worse highways than Arkansas. Our rural interstates were ranked as the worst in the nation.
This is very obvious if you want to drive anywhere in Arkansas. The highways are indeed bumpy and covered with potholes. Plenty of cars with flat tires make up the scenery. Arkansas highways were ranked number 19 for congestion. The congestion is in part because not all of the highway is assessable. On the way to Memphis half of the lanes were blocked for repair in at least 3 places. It's good that the road are being repaired, but while being repaired they are an even bigger danger to drivers.
The rural interstates earn their title as "worst in the nation". The majority of the lanes on these of these highways are narrower than the recommended width or 12 inches. Narrow highways contribute to severe accidents and fatality. Arkansas has the 5th highest fatality rate due to traffic accidents according to this study, proving that taking a drive through Arkansas can be risky business.
One major thing that you will notice when driving down Arkansas highways is the construction. As mentioned, many lanes are shut down, construction equipment litters the side of the highway and fresh tar has been laid in a few spots. In March, the Arkansas Highway Commission sold $175 million in bonds for projects to be awarded this summer, the first phase of a five-year overhaul of the state's interstates approved by voters last year. Among the roads to be repaired are sections of the national interstates that the North Carolina study ranked the worst. The North Carolina Study was done before the construction began and didn't take the construction into account when compiling their data. However, the authors of the study commented that they were aware Arkansas was doing something to fix their highways.
This construction is often a pain to drivers but it obviously needed. This will hopefully drop the fatality rate of Arkansas highways and make traveling through Arkansas a more pleasant experience for everyone. As with most things, we'll have to endure a little discomfort for a while but it will pay off in the long run.
After all, Arkansas scenery is great! Arkansas highway rest stops are among the highest ranked in the nation for cleanliness and facilities. If Arkansas could just make the driving more pleasurable it would be the perfect path to plan your next trip. We're on our way to moving up on the list. Drivers will just have to deal with the inconvenience of highway construction for a little while. In the meantime, if you're planning a trip through Arkansas, I would suggest scheduling a little more time just in case you get caught in the construction (or congestion).
Links
Geography - Information about national interstates
Arkansas Highyway Laws - A humerous look at Arkansas driving habits.
Arkansas Highway Department - read more about repair plans and Arkansas roads.
