State Infrastructure Scores D+ on Report Card

EAST PEORIA - When it comes to infrastructure, Illinois is not scoring well on one report card.  

A new study by the American Society of Civil Engineers scores the state among the worst in the nation, and bad roads play a big part. Tuesday, it gave Illinois a D-plus, a barely a passing grade.

However, it's no surprise to local drivers, like Melissa Schreiner, of Iowa. Schreiner drives throughout Illinois frequently for her job.

"Absolutely agree 100 percent," said Schreiner. "There's potholes everywhere. They just don't seem to take care of them."

The study considers multiple factors including the conditions of aviation, drinking water, waste water and railways. However, poor roads and bridges are driving forces in the grade. Nearly 73 percent of roads were rated in poor or mediocre shape.

But how can this be when roadways always seem to be under construction?

"It seems like here, they're always working on the roads and you think if they're always working how could you get a 'D-plus', you know? You think you'd ought to be at least close to an 'A'," said driver Alisa Cotton.  

 And the constant road repair is costing tax payers.

"I'm running over bumps, you know. It's probably knocking my wheels out of alignment, costing me more money, not to talk about the gas prices," said Cotton.  

In fact, the study says poor road conditions cost drivers near $300 in extra vehicle repairs per year. Then, tack that on to paying nearly 40 cents in motor fuel tax at the pump. Only four other states ask for more.

"That's bad," said Jermaine Logan. "You know what I'm saying? But they spend more money on other things than what they should be on the roads."

"Well I would just question where the tax payer money is going in other areas," said Schreiner.  

None of the considered factors made higher than a C-plus, in the report. Local tax payers are concerned.

"It's not unbelievable to me, and I don't know what the problem is or how to solve it, but something definitely needs to be done," said Cotton.  

According to the ASCE report card, the nationally grade is also D-plus.

A representative from the U.S. Department of Transportation said the report is another reason to push President Obama's plan to fix infrastructure, and tax payers will pay more money down the line if the problems are not fixed.