None of us like bumpy roads. Especially for trucks that have heavier suspension and do not take the potholes and bumps very well. We pay a lot in fuel taxes that is supposed to go to fixing roads but why are the roads not better.
Let's do some research.
"State Excise Tax Pays for Highways and Roads. In 2024-25, the state gasoline excise tax is set at 59.6 cents per gallon, and the tax is expected to raise $7.5 billion from gasoline purchases for vehicles using public roads. In effect, the 59.6 cent tax is comprised of three distinct components, each of which is adjusted for inflation in July and allocated based on formulas set forth in state law.
Holy shit, $7.5 Billion dollars is estimated to be the revenue in gas taxes collected in 2024-2025!
Historically:
"Base Excise Tax. In 1923, the state created a 2 cent per gallon excise tax to pay for road and highway maintenance. It then increased the rate periodically over the next several decades to increase funding for roads and highways. Most recently, in 1990, voters passed Proposition 111, which doubled the rate from 9 cents per gallon to 18 cents per gallon."
So, we have been paying fuel taxes in California since 1923! I am not surprised. I know roads to maintain are a lot of work and with inflated prices now, it is not easily afforded.
With this money I wish there would be a trade school to teach people who want to work in the roads department how to do the job right. Similar to a foundatin to a house, with out the base property prepared, the weight of the house or roadway will give away and make the surface collapse. There was one local roadway project that took about 3 years to complete! The first completion was terrible. It was as bumpy as the old road, so another construction company was hired and they did it all over again. The only good thing the first constructon company did was complete all the underground pipes and electric first, but the results on the surface were terrible with many high and low spots.
I understand there is a lot of traffic that travels on roads but again why isnt I-5 have 4 lanes to use 2 while they fix the other 2 and so on?
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