Sometimes driving in Memphis may seem like a nightmare. However, according to a new study, Memphians are the lucky ones. Memphis ranked as the ninth most drivable city in the nation according to bestplaces.net.
"I think it is easy because of the smooth roads," said James Weakley, University of Memphis senior English major. Weakley drives at least five hours a week because he does not live or work on campus.
The rankings were determined using the following criteria: climate, road roughness and urban mobility.
Warm climates were desirable because of the lack of snow and ice on the roads, etc. Road roughness is defined as the smoothness of freeways and outlining streets. And urban mobility is based on the mobility during rush hour and other times of day and the lowness of gas prices.
In each category, 0-100 points were given and compiled to give a definite number. Memphis' scored 80.8 points.
Eugene Bryan, manager of transportation planning for the city of Memphis, agreed with the findings.
"That is consistent with a number of other studies ranking Memphis and Tennessee roadways. It is very accurate," Bryan said.
On average, the city spends about $30 million dollars on upkeep of the streets. Two-thirds of that goes directly to the city of Memphis and $10 million goes to outlying areas.
"It is the city's goal to provide for safe and efficient streets," said Wain Gaskins, city of Memphis engineer.
Bryan agreed and said that another goal is to make the streets user friendly for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as drivers.
Congestion during rush hour is not as bad as in other cities.
"A delay of 10 minutes may seem like a long time to someone in this area," Bryan said. "But someone in a city of comparable size would not think it was that bad at all."
It also depends on the time of day.
"The idiots come out in the morning and the afternoon," said Jeremy Roberts, freshmen computer sciences major.
He lives on campus and does not have to travel as much as Weakley.
On average, he drives two hours a week.
Even though, the city's drivability is considered of the best in the nation, drivers do have complaints, especially during rush hour.
"When you concentrate on more that one thing, your driving suffers," Weakley said.
Drivability also depends on the area of Memphis you are in.
"Basically, any area with many successful businesses are well-funded," he said.
Weakley said that the streets seem to be better in those places. However, the streets could always benefit from improvements.
"I guess the main streets are good. But they could widen lanes," Roberts said.
Potholes are also a problem.
"There are potholes that cause damage. There should be more funding," Weakley said.
The city takes these complaints seriously.
"If we get a complaint (about potholes) at noon, we will fix it that same day," Gaskins said.
Corpus Christi, TX ranked first in the national study and Los Angeles ranked last, respectively.
