An average road cost $5,000 to $10,000 to build. Canals cost about $20,000 to $30,000 per mile. Canals were very expensive to build and needed lots of repairs. Too many locks, narrow channels, and freezing of the canal in the winter decreased the number of canals. The canals were also polluted because people threw their garbage into the canal. The pollution lead to many diseases.
Railroads
Railroad
The main reason why canals disappeared is because of the competition with railroads. Railroads were just as expensive as canals, but were cheaper to repair and did not need water. Railroads can also carry more trade and people than canals.
Maps
Canals in Ohio 1826
Railroads in Ohio 1875
These maps illustrate the decline of canals and domminance of railroads.