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Worst Roads in Texas 2025: Trouble Spots Every Driver Should Know

Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the potholes and highway headaches. In 2025, Texas drivers continue to face rough roads that damage vehicles, delay commutes, and create unsafe driving conditions. Here’s a look at the most notorious stretches across the state.

Top 5 Worst Roads in Texas (2025)

  1. I-45 (Houston): Known for heavy traffic, frequent construction zones, and sudden pavement failures. Sections of I-45 near downtown Houston rank among the roughest in the state.
  2. I-35 (Austin to San Antonio): Chronic congestion, uneven surfaces, and narrow lanes plague this major corridor. Expansion projects have created confusing detours and dangerous merges.
  3. Loop 610 (Houston): Potholes, cracking bridges, and outdated overpasses make Loop 610 a bumpy, risky drive—especially during storms and flooding events.
  4. I-10 (El Paso to Beaumont): Long stretches of rough pavement combined with truck traffic contribute to frequent tire and suspension damage.
  5. US-59 (East Texas): Rural sections of US-59 suffer from neglected maintenance, faded lane markings, and crumbling shoulders.

How Does Texas Compare to Other States?

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, Texas ranks in the lower half of U.S. states for overall road quality. Urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin report some of the highest vehicle repair costs tied to poor road conditions.

What’s Driving the Problem?

Texas’s explosive population growth, heavy freight traffic, and extreme heat accelerate pavement wear. Budget shortfalls and slow approval of infrastructure projects mean many roads deteriorate faster than they can be repaired.

The Hidden Cost to Drivers

Texans spend an average of $708 annually in vehicle repairs due to bad roads—flat tires, bent rims, and alignment issues being the most common. In urban centers, that figure climbs higher, making road repairs an unavoidable cost of driving.

What Can You Do?

Report dangerous potholes or road hazards to Texas DOT using their online portal. Staying updated on construction zones, slowing down in rough patches, and checking for tire recalls can help reduce damage. Supporting local infrastructure initiatives is key to long-term improvements.

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