Michigan potholes are neither a source of pride or harmless. They can take lives and cause thousands in car damage. This shows the state government isn’t prioritizing road maintenance.
Last week, I narrowly avoided a terrible accident on I-75S while passing through Flint. The road’s terrible condition, with unnoticeable bumps, caused the car in front of me to lose control. Luckily, I swerved and lived to tell this story. This is just one of the many instances where terrible roads were going to wreak havoc on my life.
The state ranks 40th in road pavement quality association. The conditions of our roads not only affects the safety of our drivers but also has significant economic implications.
The 2025-26 state budget earmarks $6.8 billion for transportation. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for maintaining interstates and major highways, in coordination with county road commissions. This funding accounts for 8.3% of the state budget — yet it isn’t being used effectively.
MDOT has announced several major projects this year, including $70 million investment to rebuild US-131, a critical artery in Michigan. However, the department’s maintenance budget is insufficient to fully address the issue.
The state collects $1.2 billion annually in gas taxes that can supplement road funding, but this revenue is often diverted to other areas, leaving road maintenance underfunded. MDOT’s maintenance budget is only a fraction of what’s needed to tackle the problem head-on.
This underfunding has led to a maintenance backlog of over $1 billion, with many major roads and bridges in urgent need of repair or replacement. About 33% of roads are classified as being in poor condition — which means they need full replacement, not just patchwork repairs. The issue is even worse in areas with severe rutting.
These poor conditions lead to high vehicle repair costs. In rural areas, the average cost to fix a car after pothole damage is $738. In urban areas, it can be as high as $1,200. In today’s already expensive economy, these costs are unaffordable for many drivers.
The benefits of road maintenance are far-reaching. Who wouldn’t want a smooth drive every day without worrying about losing control over a pothole? Better-maintained roads can reduce vehicle repair costs by 10% to 20% annually and even boost property values by improving infrastructure.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has emphasized the importance of infrastructure in both her first and second terms. In her State of the State address, she stated that road maintenance is a top priority.
Some may argue that funding should be redirected to other pressing needs, like rural health care or education access. Michigan’s per capita income is 13% below the national average, and there are many areas that need support.
But encouraging public-private partnerships could be a promising solution. Without relying solely on state funds, we can hold large businesses accountable for contributing their fair share — something Whitmer herself has endorsed.
MDOT’s current maintenance budget has serious consequences. By prioritizing road maintenance and seeking alternative funding sources, Michigan can protect its drivers and promote long-term economic growth.
