Which state has the highest miles of public roads?

Texas has the highest miles of public roads in the United States due to its vast land area and the emphasis on transportation infrastructure that supports both urban and rural areas. The state's geography and population distribution necessitate an extensive road network to facilitate travel, commerce, and access to areas that may be far apart. Texas also invests heavily in its transportation system, which includes highways, rural roads, and city streets, further contributing to its high mileage of public roads.

The other states, while they have significant road systems, do not match the extensive mileage of Texas's roadways. California, for instance, has a large population and a significant road network, but its road mileage is less compared to Texas. Similarly, Florida and New York have important road systems but are smaller in area and therefore have fewer total road miles compared to Texas.