(File photo courtesy © Can Stock Photo Inc. / tupungato)(File photo courtesy © Can Stock Photo Inc. / tupungato)
Sarnia

CAA launches 20th annual Worst Roads campaign

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has launched its 20th annual Worst Roads campaign and wants your feedback.

They're seeking input on the roads that are in the poorest condition, which could include things like potholes, congestion, poor road signs and other safety concerns.

Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Relations for CAA South Central Ontario Teresa Di Felice says interest in the campaign has been growing year after year.

"Some roads come back on the list until they get fixed, but we've also seen major shifts where communities rally together to get their voices heard," said Di Felice. "They want to get their roads on either the Ontario Top 10 list, or the top five in various regions across the province. A recent survey of CAA members found that 78 per cent are talking about the state of their roads. That's a six per cent increase from last year, so more and more people are complaining. But they're complaining to friends or family or co-workers. The beauty of the CAA Worst Roads Campaign is that it provides a collective push that you can get others behind or join others in creating awareness and getting those roads fixed."

Di Felice said, in 2022, Plank Road in Sarnia took top spot in the southwest region, which also includes Windsor-Essex, and Chatham-Kent.

"The most selected crossroads there were Indian Road South and Modeland Road," she said. "Usually, it's about potholes or poor road maintenance. There, we've seen that about $4.2 million in federal and provincial grant money has been approved as part of a fairly large reconstruction project to get Plank Road in order."

Di Felice said four Windsor roads rounded out the top five regional list. Lauzon Parkway was number two, followed by University Avenue West, Tecumseh Road East, and College Avenue.

"Lauzon Parkway came up a few times and the mayor came out and dedicated funds to get that work started," she said. "So, we do see successes with roads coming off of the list. The mayor of Windsor specifically stated he wanted to see Lauzon Parkway come off that list."

Di Felice said 2022 marked the fourth straight year that no road in London was on the top 10 provincial list.

"But, Adelaide Street North and Pack Road in London have made it to the west region worst roads list. Wharncliffe has been there in the past, and is part of a huge plan that the city has put together about its growth strategy and which transportation projects need priority."

Voting is open until April 21.

Di Felice said once it closes, CAA will work with senior government and municipalities to get residents' concerns addressed.

Go to www.caaworstroads.com for more information and to cast a ballot.

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