How Bad Are Illinois Roads? New Study Reveals the Truth

If you've ever driven across the Indiana border and wondered why your steering wheel suddenly stops shaking, you're not imagining things. Indiana has officially been named the state with the best-maintained roads in the U.S., according to a new study by Local Tire Guys using federal data.

We like to think that orange cones are Illinois' state flower. Scroll down to see the truth.

What Makes Indiana’s Roads So Smooth?

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With 97.4% of its roads rated “acceptable,” Indiana barely has a pothole to its name. That’s just 237 miles of bumpy roadway across more than 9,000 miles. Not bad for a state that basically acts as America’s trucking superhighway. I-65, I-69, and I-70 all crisscross Indiana, helping to justify the nickname “Crossroads of America.”

Midwest States Dominate the Road Rankings

The study showed several Midwest states performing well, which is surprising considering our winters. Maybe it’s because they don’t spend 12 months a year “preparing” for construction season.

MORE: Biggest Reasons Rockford Drivers Are the Worst in Illinois

Worst Roads in the U.S.

Rhode Island came in dead last, with only 55.3% of roads considered acceptable. Hawaii, New Mexico, Connecticut, and Mississippi also scored poorly. But we know what you're really here for...

So, Where Does Illinois Land?

Drumroll... Illinois ranked 30th out of 50. That’s 80.4% of our 31,356 miles in decent shape. Not terrible. Not amazing. Just very Illinois. But hey, at least we’re not Rhode Island.

For details on all 50 states and the study's methodology, click HERE.

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