(MSC News)--The Kansas state highway system is ranked the nation’s fifth best in overall highway performance and efficiency in a report released today by the Reason Foundation.

The 21st Annual Highway Report, which is based on 2012 data, ranked Kansas number one in the category of rural interstate pavement condition, third in urban interstate congestion and fifth in rural arterial pavement condition.

The state-controlled highway system, which is the 27th largest system in the country, has consistently placed in the top tier of Reason reports. Kansas’ overall rankings in recent reports are third in 2011, second in 2009, third in both 2008 and 2007, fifth in 2006, and third in 2005. There is no report for 2010.

“Kansans and their leaders should be proud of the highway system they have  supported through long-term funding programs since 1989,” said Transportation Secretary Mike King. “We’ve built a system that effectively and efficiently serves Kansas families and businesses. And we continue to make improvements that strengthen the state’s freight networks, boosting the Kansas economy.”

The Kansas Department of Transportation is currently in the fourth year of the 10-year T-WORKS transportation program. In 2010, Kansas highways were ranked the nation’s best in a report published in Reader’s Digest magazine.

Reason Foundation’s most recent top 10 rankings based on overall performance 

and cost- effectiveness:

1. Wyoming

2. Nebraska

3. South Dakota

4. South Carolina

5. Kansas

6. North Dakota

7. New Mexico

8. Mississippi

9. Montana

10.Kentucky

The full report is posted on the Reason Foundation website.