Pavement condition in Michigan is tracked to assess what treatments will preserve the structural quality of the roads. Between 2008-2019, most counties rated their roads on a two-year cycle, represented by the last year of each cycle (i.e., data in 2009 represent the 2008-2009 survey period). Ratings were not done in 2020. Since 2021, ratings returned to a two-year cycle and are represented again by the last year of each cycle, but those years are now even-numbered years (i.e., data in 2022 represent the 2021-2022 survey period). It is important to monitor pavement conditions, as reconstructing roads in the poorest condition is many times more expensive than applying preventative treatments to roads in fair condition. Quality roads improves the efficiency and safety of travel for the region's employees, businesses, and residents.
The region’s pavement conditions continue to improve. The percentage of roads rated good increased from 23% in 2022 to 24% in 2024; while the percentage of roads rated poor declined from 34% in 2022 to 28% in 2024. These trends continue an improvement from year 2019 when 44% of our region’s roads were rated in poor condition and only 21% were rated in good condition.