I-40 in Tennessee Ranked Best Road in Nation for Third Year in a Row

 

NASHVILLE – For the third straight year, Interstate 40 in Tennessee tops the list of best roads in the country according to the nation’s truck drivers. In addition, for the 10th consecutive year truckers rated Tennessee’s overall roadway system as third best in the nation (tied with Georgia) according to a recent survey published in Overdrive Magazine.

 

"Tennessee’s roadways are a major economic driver for our state,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “The consistently high ranking of our transportation system from the people who use it most certainly enhances opportunity for future growth and development in Tennessee.”

 

Overdrive Magazine polls more than 300 truck drivers across the nation each year asking them to rate the nation’s roads and drivers, state by state. The survey includes opinions about the quality of the roads, the smoothness of the riding surface, road markings, construction detour availability and more.   Overdrive Magazine began surveying truck drivers across the nation 13 years ago. 

 

“For ten years the nation’s truckers have ranked Tennessee roadways among the best in the country,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “This recognition speaks volumes about TDOT employees’ and contractors’ commitment to quality work. This ranking is also made possible by the strong support we receive from the Governor, the Tennessee General Assembly, our local government partners and, of course, the citizens of our state.”

 

“Interstate 40 is one of the busiest roadways in the state, so this is another great honor for TDOT,” added TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges. “Unfortunately, Georgia is maneuvering to take over the third place position so it is up to TDOT to look for more ways to improve not just our roadways but our entire transportation system.”

 

“Our contractors work closely with TDOT to provide quality roadways for Tennesseans,” said Rab Summers, President of the Tennessee Road Builders Association. “We’re proud of these accomplishments but it is important to understand that transportation departments across the U.S., including Tennessee, are facing tough financial times.  Road building costs continue to climb faster than revenues, so if we are to keep our roads in top shape we need courage and commitment to find a financial fix.”

 

The five best and worst roads as mentioned by Overdrive Magazine are:

 

BEST ROADS                                   WORST ROADS

 

1.        Texas                                      1.        Louisiana

2.        Florida                                     2.        Pennsylvania

3.        Tennessee, Georgia (tie)           3.        Michigan

4.        Ohio                                         4.        California

5.        Missouri                                    5.        Oklahoma

 

The five best and worst roads as mentioned by Overdrive Magazine are:

 

BEST HIGHWAY SEGMENT                                   WORST HIGHWAY SEGMENT

 

1.        I-40 Tennessee                                  1.        I-10 Louisiana

2.        I-80 Pennsylvania                               2.        I-40 Oklahoma

3.        I-75 Florida                                        3.        I-5 California; I-65 Kentucky (tie)

4.        I-80 Nebraska                                     4.        I-80 Pennsylvania

5.        I-75 Georgia                                       5.        I-95 New York

 

Unfortunately, Tennessee’s drivers slipped from the top five list in 2008. The 2007 Overdrive Magazine survey found truckers ranking Tennessee’s motorists as third best, tied with Wyoming. 

 

Overdrive Magazine is a monthly magazine distributed to trucking industry representatives around the country.  More information about the truckers’ survey and the magazine itself can be found at www.etrucker.com by clicking on the Overdrive tab at the top of the page, then clicking on this month’s edition of the magazine (adobe flash player required).

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