Orange County has best roads in California - new survey

ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) -- Orange County has the best roads in California, according to a survey released by the California State Association of Counties, the League of California Cities and several transportation agencies.

On a scale from worst to best, 0 to 100, the condition of pavement on Orange County streets averages a score of 77.

"City by city across the county are very good, but it's due to a concentrated effort. It's not only funding, but it's good management by the cities," said OCTA CEO Darrell Johnson.

Los Angeles County scored 66, also the state average.

The report says anything below a 70 could require serious, expensive repair.

Some drivers hope Los Angeles can follow Orange County's lead.

"It's a nice, nice area out here. They've got some nice streets, hopefully they can push that out to like downtown and Hollywood areas," said Edgar Martinez, a downtown Los Angeles resident.

The Orange County Transportation Agency says the report proves the effectiveness of Measure M - a half cent county sales tax for transportation improvements which was renewed by voters for 30 years in 2006.

The measure puts about $70 million back into the streets every year.

"Between now and 2041, it'll put $5 billion into the streets and road system in Orange County," Johnson said.

It's a model some believe other counties should consider to make the streets safer for residents.

"I mean, we use the roads, so we should pay for them, I have no problem with that." Said Mark Hellman, a Beverly Hills resident.

The survey concludes that if most cities and counties don't increase funding for road repair, one quarter of the state's streets will be in what it calls "failed condition" in 10 years.