While the recent gas tax was supposed to help the state catch up on the backlog of sorely-needed work on the Minnesota’s roads and bridges, it isn’t working out that way. The soaring price of things like bituminous, concrete, and steel, has sent the cost of road construction through the roof. Four dollar a gallon gasoline has prompted Minnesotans to drive less— and that is also taking a toll. Even though the gas tax was increased, Minnesotans are buying fewer gallons, so the anticipated new revenues have yet to materialize.

And the economic slowdown has trimmed new car sales, which means the state is receiving less in motor vehicle sales taxes, which also help fund highways.

Call it a perfect storm that threatens to wash out any hopes of smoother driving in Minnesota any time soon.

As we reported last week, the situation is so bad that many road projects are being substantially cut back, anywhere from 30-50 percent as the gap between project costs and available funding continues to widen. That’s not just bad news for Minnesota drivers, it’s bad news for construction workers, who had hoped the modest bump in the gas tax would mean more jobs.

The state could use the economic stimulus that a growing road construction program would provide, but the skyrocketing cost of just about everything is putting such plans on the shelf.

And don’t look for it to turn around any time soon. High commodity prices are likely to be with us for a while. That, combined with a knee-jerk reaction from conservatives to any form of higher taxes, means it may be a long time before the state’s highways get their much-needed facelifts.

Without a new way to fund roads, Minnesota may have to take a hard look at whether it can maintain the system it has, much less add new miles of roadway. More roads may have to be downgraded or abandoned all together. What roads are maintained will likely see less frequent upgrades.

That’s the hard reality of a political mindset, demonstrated by Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s veto of the gas tax increase. While the Legislature showed leadership in overriding the governor this year, the general antipathy in St. Paul to any form of public investment makes the future of the state’s highways appear bleak. Unfortunately, the costs of driving and road construction are rising far faster than our collective will to pay for repair to the state’s highways and bridges.

Minnesotans should probably invest in better seat cushions. The driving is going to get mighty bumpy from here.