Why building US highways is so expensive
A recent study from the Brookings Institution has highlighted significant factors contributing to the high cost of U.S. transportation infrastructure projects, particularly in highway construction, as reported in Construction Dive. Researchers found that a lack of staffing within state Departments of Transportation and reduced competition among contracts are key drivers of increased expenses. As reported by Construction Dive, state and local governments spent $266 billion on highways in 2022, with costs per project exceeding those of other upper- and middle-income countries by over three times.
The study indicates that well-staffed DOTs can build roads more cost-effectively, as increased reliance on consultants correlates with higher project costs.
