Minnesota Roads: The Smoothest Drive in America?
You know that feeling when you’re driving on a road that’s so smooth, you could practically eat off it? Well, it turns out the good folks of Minnesota experience that velvety sensation more than anyone else in the U.S.
That’s right, according to a new analysis by Consumer Affairs, the North Star State has taken the crown for having the absolute best roads in America. But they’re not alone at the top:
The Top 5 Best Roads in America:
- Minnesota
- Alabama
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
The Rough Riders
Now before you coastal elites get your board shorts in a twist, let me break it down for you. On the other end of the spectrum, these poor states were ranked as having the roughest, most dilapidated roads:
The 5 Worst Roads in America:
- Rhode Island
- Hawaii
- California
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
You can see the list of all the winners and losers in the full report.
The Judgment Criteria
Consumer Affairs looked at three key factors to determine the road quality rankings:
- How many poor-quality roads is each state rocking? Fewer potholes = better score.
- Are they spending enough money to actually fix said roads? More greenbacks devoted to improvements = higher rating.
- How dangerous are the roads? Lower rates of traffic fatalities per miles driven = safer journey.
Putting all those criteria into their fancy formula, Minnesota slid right into that #1 spot.
The Winter Warrior
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Jenn, don’t those frigid Minnesota winters just decimate the roads every year?”
To which I respond: “Oh ye of little faith!” Turns out, this isn’t the governor’s first rodeo when it comes to prioritizing road excellence.
Governor Tim Walz has been throwing billions at infrastructure projects left and right, passing massive funding packages in 2020 and 2023 aimed at keeping Minnesota’s highways and byways smooth like a fresh jar of Skippy.
The North Star Rises
And you know the best part? The state’s commitment to road regency is part of a bigger renaissance putting Minnesota at the top across Healthcare, Business Climate, you name it!
As Walz said: “Our focus is paving the road to a bright future for all Minnesotans.” It’s no wonder Minnesotans like myself spend their time day tripping to all corners of the state.
The Open Road Awaits
So next time you’re planning a road trip, put away that map to the Pacific Coast Highway. The real shores you want are the unbroken pavement of the Minnesota highway system.
Just saddle up, point your chrome cupid’s arrow towards St. Paul, and thank me later for the smoothest ride of your life!
