New York’s Transportation Infrastructure is at a Tipping Point: We Must Act Now
While the challenges facing the MTA’s system have rightly drawn attention, the State’s roads and bridges are in crisis as well. Despite significant federal and state funding commitments, the condition of our transportation infrastructure continues record decline. The data makes it clear: immediate action is essential. Without it, this downward trend will further endanger public safety, undermine economic vitality, and raise the cost of living for millions of New Yorkers.
Crumbling Roads and Bridges Across New York
Reports from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), mandated by 2021 legislation, reveal the stark reality. NYSDOT’s own data, designed to provide transparency on the state’s transportation investments and infrastructure conditions, highlight the alarming deterioration in roads and bridges across the State.
- Bridges: Every one of NYSDOT’s 11 regions reported declining bridge conditions. An additional 138 bridges were downgraded from good to fair or poor condition, bringing the total to nearly 11,400 bridges—65 percent of all state-maintained structures—now classified as fair or poor. Investments in bridge repair and rehabilitation also fell by nearly 20 percent year-over-year.
- Pavement: Pavement conditions are similarly troubling, with seven out of 11 regions reporting declines. An additional 630 lane miles shifted from good to fair or poor, raising the statewide total of fair or poor pavement to nearly 17,000 lane miles—or more than 40 percent of NYSDOT-maintained roads. Investments in pavement renewal dropped by over 31 percent.
- Project Selection: Nearly 40% of current NYSDOT capital spending is for activities that did not directly improve system conditions.
These figures illustrate an alarming reality: New York’s transportation infrastructure is experiencing historic declines.
Higher Costs to Already Overburdened New Yorkers
The impact on New Yorkers is staggering. A 2024 report by the national transportation research organization TRIP concluded that poor road and bridge conditions cost motorists $36.7 billion annually—up to $3,697 per driver in some areas—due to vehicle damage, crashes, and congestion. This “pothole tax” strains already overburdened families. Meanwhile, delaying repairs only increases costs exponentially. Pay now or pay far more later.
Why is This Happening?
Beyond underinvestment, one of the primary drivers of this deterioration is inflation. The rising costs of construction materials and labor have significantly eroded the purchasing power of the current NYSDOT Capital Plan. More than one year of the 5-year capital plan has been vaporized by inflation. That means projects originally programmed within the budget will be deferred or canceled.
As a result, the conditions of roads and bridges across New York will decline even further. Indeed, without action by Governor Hochul and the Legislature, every region of New York will have worse road and bridge conditions at the end of the Governor’s “historic” capital plan and despite the largesse of the federal government in the bipartisan infrastructure bill. It’s inconceivable—and certainly not a legacy to be proud of. We—and the Governor and Legislature—cannot let it happen.
Pretty Much Everyone Agrees: Something Needs to be Done—NOW
We need to act—now—and that’s why a broad coalition of more than 40 organizations representing business, labor, local government, the construction industry and key industries across New York have come together to urge Governor Hochul to address this crisis in the 2025-26 Executive Budget (read the letter at this link). There’s a reason why all these disparate groups stand united in strongly supporting increased investment to reverse this historic decline in road and bridge conditions: Because our economy, communities and key industries don’t work without safe, reliable, modern transportation infrastructure.
What Needs to Be Done this Year
Specifically, two critical steps must be taken:
- Offset Inflations Impact
To offset the severe impact of inflation, an additional $800 million must be allocated to “core” projects in the 2025-26 budget. This funding will help sustain programmed projects in the Capital Plan, slow the deterioration of road and bridge assets, and restore the purchasing power that was assumed when the plan was originally developed. Without this infusion of resources, New York risks falling further behind, with even more projects being removed from the plan. - Establish a Comprehensive, Long-Term Planning Process
NYSDOT should implement a formal 20-year needs assessment, similar to the process used by the MTA, to identify and address the state’s long-term transportation infrastructure needs. This multi-modal assessment would provide a clear, forward-looking strategy to ensure sustainable investment in the state’s roads, bridges, and transit systems. Making this process and its findings publicly available would enhance transparency and accountability.
Why It Matters
Failing to act jeopardizes public safety, raises costs for families, and undermines economic growth. Investing in infrastructure is not just a matter of maintenance—it’s a matter of ensuring New York’s current and future competitiveness and safety and putting New Yorkers to work to do this important work. By acting now, New York can stabilize and improve its transportation network, providing public benefits that will be felt for decades to come, while creating and sustaining excellent prevailing wage jobs in the process.
Moreover, New York’s broader goals, such as transitioning to electric school buses, depend on robust infrastructure. Heavier electric vehicles will accelerate wear on already poor roads and bridges, making investments even more critical.
A Call to Action
The data is clear, and the need for action is urgent. That’s why this broad coalition is calling on Governor Hochul to make road and bridge infrastructure a top priority in the 2025-26 Executive Budget. This is a defining moment for New York’s future. It’s time to protect the legacy of our infrastructure investments and build a safer, stronger transportation system for all New Yorkers.
Mike Elmendorf is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Associated General Contractors of New York State, New York’s leading statewide construction industry organization. Mr. Elmendorf also serves as President of Rebuild NY Now, a broad-based coalition that supports increased investment in New York’s infrastructure. Elmendorf previously served as New York State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and prior to that as a member of Governor George Pataki’s Senior Staff during his three-terms in office.
Ron Epstein is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Construction Materials Association. Mr. Epstein is the former Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation and has spent more than 30-years directly engaged in developing, coordinating, analyzing, and implementing transportation policy, legislative, and fiscal initiatives on behalf of New York State.
