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Caltrans: State's Roads In Best Shape Since 2001

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Bay Area drivers may complain about potholes and bumpy rides, but the Metropolitan Transportation Commission says that local roads are in fair condition, and CalTrans says the state's highways are in the best shape they've been in since 2001.

The MTC released its report on the condition of the Bay Area's paved roads for 2012, and some of the best rated roads are in the East Bay, in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. The worst roads can be found in the North Bay.

"The highways, I think people have been noticing them," CalTrans spokesperson Bob Haus.

Those improvements are thanks to $4 billion in state and federal stimulus cash.

Bay Area Cities with the Best Roads:

  • Brentwood
  • Dublin
  • El Cerrito
  • Belvedere

Bay Area Cities with the Worst Roads

  • Orinda
  • Sonoma County (the entire county)
  • Larkspur
  • St. Helena

See the full list here

But, the roads in some areas aren't improving.  With just over fifty miles of paved roads in wine country, St. Helena fared the worst in the region, with its roads progressively getting worse over the past three years, according to the report.

Despite its mayor being the chair of the MTC, Orinda's roads fetched a 'poor' rating, and drivers agree.

"If they have done a lot of improvements to the road, it's hardly noticeable," Orinda driver Jerry Armosino told KPIX 5.

"I haven't seen them get any better," said Orinda resident Maya Herbert.

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