Half of NYC-area roads in poor condition

A report released Thursday on the New York City-area's poor road conditions will give drivers a case of road range and have mechanics cheering in their garages.

The Washington-based TRIP released its report, Bumpy Roads Ahead, that said 51% of the metropolitan area's major roads are in poor condition, costing drivers $673 a year in vehicle maintenance, additional fuel cost and depreciation.

"It would actually save the public money if the roads were kept in good condition," said Frank Moretti, director of policy research at TRIP. "The bottom line is it is cheaper for drivers to pay for smoother roads than to pay the cost of driving on rough roads."

The New York City-area, which includes New Jersey, had the sixth poorest conditions for major roads and highways in urban regions with more than 500,000 people. States rely on federal money to repair roads, but the funding for NEw York State, $1.6 billion a year, has been flat since 2009, amid the recession, even as construction costs have gone up, according to Beau Duffy, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

For the city Department of Transportation's part, spokesman Nick Mosquera praised its handle on potholes on New York streets. He added that the DOT has limited jurisdiction over the city's highways, which are included in the report's findings for the New York region.

"Our pothole response time is now the lowest on record and we already adhere to the few relevant recommendations made in this report, including the use of the best available materials for pothole repairs," Mosquera said.