Reason Foundation report ranks Wyoming’s highway system most cost-effective

Wyoming’s highway system is ranked the best performing and most cost-effective in the nation in a report issued by a nonpartisan organization that conducts public policy research.

The Reason Foundation’s 21st Annual Highway Report bases its rankings on 2012 data comparing states’ spending per mile of road for construction, maintenance and administration, the condition of rural and urban interstate highways, percentage of deficient bridges, urban interstate congestion, fatality rates and other factors.

Wyoming Transportation Commission Chairman Bruce McCormack of Cody said the high ranking is the cumulative result of the support received from members of the Wyoming Legislature, Gov. Matt Mead and the state's congressional delegation, and the state's citizens, who all recognize the singular importance of quality highways in a state so heavily dependent on ground transportation.

“The commission appreciates that support, and is especially proud of the good work done by WYDOT employees statewide,” McCormack said.

Contributing to Wyoming’s best overall ranking are its rankings at the top of the categories for rural interstate pavement conditions, lack of urban interstate congestion and lack of narrow lanes on its rural roads.

Its percentage of deficient bridges was the sixth lowest in the nation and its overall spending per mile of highway was the 12th lowest. Less favorable rankings came in the fatality rate category at 35th in the nation, and the condition of its urban interstate pavement at 32nd. 

Based on the mileage in Wyoming's state-controlled highway system, WYDOT manages the 35th largest system in the country, while its spending on administration costs ranks as the 18th lowest in the nation.

“Every state is struggling to find enough resources to maintain their highway systems,” WYDOT Director John Cox said. “This report suggests, considering the limited resources available, Wyoming’s system is performing better than the systems in other states.”

Wyoming has consistently appeared in the report’s top 10 overall rankings, and was fourth in last year’s report.

The full report can be found at www.reason.org.