Maryland’s deteriorating roads and highways are hitting drivers’ wallets hard, with potholes and poor road conditions leading to costly repairs.
A new report from TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, found that road conditions cost Maryland $12 billion annually — nearly $3,500 per Maryland driver in the Washington, DC, metro area. Traffic congestion is choking commuting and commerce, and the state’s traffic fatality rate has increased significantly in the last decade.
Maryland drivers in the Baltimore metro area lose an average of nearly $3,000 annually due to deteriorated pavement, congestion, and outdated road safety features. These costs add up through vehicle repairs, fuel waste, and lost time sitting in traffic.
With 62% of Baltimore’s roads rated in poor condition, drivers face mounting expenses for tire damage, suspension issues, and vehicle repairs. AAA reported that 40% of its calls in Maryland last year involved tire troubles severe enough to require a tow.
Underfunded Roads, Rising Costs
Maryland’s counties lack the authority to raise dedicated transportation revenues, making them dependent on state funding for local road maintenance and improvements. Without a fair share of state resources, road conditions will continue declining, increasing costs for residents and businesses. A predictable, reliable funding source allows counties to invest in long-term infrastructure projects, prevent costly emergency repairs, and ensure safer, more efficient roadways.
The rising cost of vehicle repairs reflects a much larger issue — years of underinvestment in Maryland’s transportation infrastructure. In 2009, the State dramatically reduced Highway User Revenue (HUR), the primary local road funding source. The cut forced counties and municipalities to defer maintenance, delay resurfacing projects, and stretch already limited funds.
The result? More potholes, crumbling pavement, and higher repair costs for drivers. Without adequate funding, local governments cannot keep roads in good condition, leading to steeper long-term costs and more frequent vehicle damage. Maryland needs a sustainable, long-term solution to ensure local roads remain safe and reliable.
The High Price of Delayed Maintenance
Failing to invest in road repairs doesn’t save money — it shifts the cost to drivers. When state and local governments defer maintenance, roads degrade faster, leading to more expensive reconstruction projects than routine resurfacing. TRIP estimates that poor road conditions increase vehicle operating costs by causing more frequent repairs, lower fuel efficiency, and premature tire wear.
Small businesses — especially those relying on delivery vehicles and service fleets — bear the brunt of these costs, as frequent repairs cut into operating budgets. The impact ripples through Maryland’s economy, slowing commerce and making travel less safe and reliable.
Counties Need a Stronger State-Local Partnership
Maryland’s local governments build, maintain, and repair most roads statewide but remain constrained by insufficient state funding. While lawmakers recently restored a portion of HUR, funding levels remain well below what’s needed to address years of deferred maintenance.
The General Assembly must take action to ensure stable, long-term funding for local roadways, empowering counties to invest in resurfacing projects, repair failing infrastructure, and prevent small cracks from turning into costly potholes.
A Path Forward
Maryland must follow through on its commitment to local infrastructure. Restoring HUR would give counties the resources to maintain safe, reliable roads and bridges without facing another funding shortfall. Recent funding adjustments provided some relief, but counties face a steep funding drop in fiscal 2028 unless lawmakers act to extend or make current funding levels permanent.
Without action, counties will see another significant cut, setting back critical road and bridge projects and delaying maintenance. The governor’s fiscal plan does not account for this looming shortfall, leaving local governments to navigate another round of uncertainty in strained budgets.
Fully restoring HUR would allow counties to fix roads before they deteriorate further, reducing repair costs for residents and ensuring smoother, safer travel. Investing in local roads strengthens Maryland’s economy, improves safety, and prevents the costly cycle of emergency repairs and declining infrastructure.
The cost of inaction is clear — neglected roads lead to higher costs for drivers and counties. Maryland needs a sustainable, long-term solution to fund local roads and ensure they remain safe and reliable.
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