What Bradford road is the worst?
Have your say during the 20th annual Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Worst Roads Campaign, which kicked off today.
“We need to hear from you … your voice matters and we all have a role to play in making our roads safer,” said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president, government and community relations, CAA South Central Ontario.
“Thanks to the voices of tens of thousands of Ontarians, the annual … campaign has been able to influence change,” she added. “Every year, these votes have helped inform various levels of government with an important perspective on what roadway improvements are most important to Ontarians. And where infrastructure funding and investment should be made.”
No Bradford West Gwillimbury roads broke through the top 10 in 2022. Breaking it down regionally, Central Ontario (which includes Bruce County, Dufferin County, Grey County, Muskoka District Municipality and Simcoe County) looked like this:
1. Orillia's Laclie Street
2. Barrie's Essa Road
3. Barrie's Huronia Road
4. Barrie's Duckworth Street
5. Barrie's Lockhart Road
While many in town might carp about the state of roads at local coffee shops, Di Felice said Bradford drivers are not alone. She said that 78 per cent of respondents vent about the state of roads to their friends, families and loved ones, rather than to local government officials.
In addition, the average cost of repairing pothole damage to vehicles can be $300 to $6,000, and that 85 per cent of Ontarians are paying for the vehicle damage out of pocket and are choosing not to, or are ineligible, to file an insurance claim.
The survey also revealed that 59 per cent of Ontarians say the province’s roads have worsened, citing cracks in pavement, potholes and congestion being the top road-related issues.
As a result, about 66 per cent of Ontario drivers are slowing down or swerving to avoid potholes.
“Bad roads continue to impact safety and many drivers are altering their driving behaviours to accommodate for poor road issues,” Di Felice said.
Di Felice said nominating worst roads helps decision-makers understand what improvements are important to drivers.
“Since 2003, thousands of roads have been put forward and 114 roads in Ontario have appeared on the provincial top 10 Worst Roads list,” said Di Felice. “Many have had repaving and repair work done.
“The Worst Roads campaign directly impacts infrastructure and helps all levels of government prioritize projects because it provides a window into how their constituents (are thinking).”
Nominations for 2023 worst roads end April 21. Visit caaworstroads.com to have your say.
