In April 2026, Transportation for America released a report, Repair Priorities 2026, authored by Mehr Mukhtar.
The report, Repair Priorities 2026, highlights a persistent failure to improve U.S. road conditions despite historic levels of federal funding.
Key Findings:
Stagnant Progress: Between 2018 and 2024, the share of roads in “poor” condition decreased by only 3%, despite roughly $60 billion in annual federal investment under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The Cost of Repair: It would cost an estimated $43.2 billion annually ($259 billion over six years) to clear the existing backlog of poor roads and maintain those currently in good or fair condition.
Mismanaged Funding: While current federal authorizations ($56.8 billion for 2024) are more than enough to cover these costs, states often use “broad flexibility” to prioritize expanding road capacity over fixing existing infrastructure.
Lack of Accountability: Federal policy does not require states to prioritize repairs. Consequently, national road ratings have remained stagnant (D+) for over two decades, as new construction adds to long-term maintenance liabilities.
Recommendations: “Left to their own devices, states will continue to produce disparate outcomes. Federal programs must set clear performance requirements and enforce accountability. Without that oversight, the system will continue to fall short of delivering roads and bridges in good repair nationwide. Congress should ensure that federal dollars improve outcomes by establishing new requirements that promote performance, accountability, and transparency.” The top three recommendations include:
Guarantee measurable outcomes for taxpayers with any funding
Require states to repair their existing systems before expanding
Prioritize data transparency and reporting standards