Why Are New Hampshire’s Roads So Much Better Than Maine’s?
If you've driven anywhere in Maine and New Hampshire, you've probably noticed that as soon as you cross the state line, there is a huge difference in the quality of the road. Look at this Google Maps picture of the state line between Gilead, Maine, and Shelburne, New Hampshire.
And here's the view in the opposite direction looking toward Maine.
New Hampshire's road is nicely paved with no potholes or patching. Maine, not so much.
This is Forest Avenue in Portland:
Route 302 in Westbrook:
WGME 13 says that Maine motorists pay more than $1,500 yearly in repairs caused by accidents because of bad roads. So why aren't Maine roads getting the attention they need?
According to the Maine Center For Economic Policy, Maine spent $102M in the 2023 fiscal year on road maintenance. According to the My Champlain Valley website, New Hampshire spent $1.1B. That's right. Billion with a "B," making New Hampshire the state with the best roads in the country with some of the lowest capital spent per mile at $9.82.
It's just good spending putting the money where it needs to be to keep New Hampshire's roads and bridges in excellent condition. This is from a state that has no sales tax for revenue. Very impressive.
Maine's roads are far from the worst in the country, but drivers don't care when they end up needing an alignment after hitting a rough section of road. We need to do better with the roads Maine.
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