A new study reveals that Illinois’ high gasoline taxes are not resulting in better roads and bridges. The Reason Foundation’s Annual Highway Report ranks Illinois 36th in overall highway performance, a drop of seven spots from the previous year.
Despite having the second-highest gas taxes in the nation—behind only California—Illinois ranks poorly in key infrastructure areas. The state placed 46th in traffic congestion, 38th in bridge conditions, and near the bottom for urban interstate pavement quality. Compared to nearby states, Illinois’ highway performance lags behind Missouri (9th), Kentucky (11th), Indiana (20th), Wisconsin (26th), and Iowa (31st).
Illinois also struggles in spending efficiency, ranking 45th in capital and bridge disbursements, which measure the cost-effectiveness of building and maintaining roads. Baruch Feigenbaum, the report’s lead author, said the state’s infrastructure spending is not translating into improved conditions.
“In terms of improving in the road condition and performance categories, Illinois should focus on reducing capital-bridge disbursements, rural arterial pavement condition, and urbanized congestion,” Feigenbaum advised.
The study found that North Carolina, South Carolina, and North Dakota have the most cost-effective and highest-quality highway systems in the nation. Illinois’ performance suggests that high taxes alone are not enough to maintain and improve infrastructure without proper cost management and efficiency.
