It's that time of year again to voice frustrations about deteriorating roadways now that CAA has launched its 22nd annual Worst Roads campaign.
The nomination portal officially opened on Tuesday.
Government Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario Brian Pirvu said based on a survey conducted earlier this year, 85 per cent of respondents are concerned about the state of roadways.
"So we want to use this campaign to serve as a platform for folks to have their say and give an idea to municipal and provincial leaders regarding which roads tend to frustrate them the most," Pirvu said.
Cracked pavement, potholes, and congestion tend to be the top issues people have.
Pirvu said damages sustained by potholes can be quite an inconvenience for motorists.
"In our research, we found that the average cost a person would pay for vehicle repairs due to potholes was around $900," he said. "It was actually up $81 compared to last year when we asked the same question."
Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online until April 18.
Pirvu said results are scheduled to be released in approximately two to three months from March 25.
"Once we have the list finalized, we then begin having those discussions with different levels of government in hopes of advocating for more funding towards these roads or fast tracking projects regarding the roads on the list," Pirvu said. "We're looking forward to that procedure, and we encourage everyone to nominate a road that tends to frustrate them."
Last year, Plank Road in Sarnia and Tecumseh Road East in Windsor ranked first and second in a list of the top five worst roads in the southwest region.
The final phase of the Plank Road reconstruction project was completed last year. Pirvu said those repairs may result in nominations being directed at a different road in the Sarnia region this year.
However, he said he wouldn't be surprised if Tecumseh Road East makes another appearance on the list.
University Avenue West in Windsor was also noted last year as one of the worst roads in the southwest region, but Pirvu noted that nearly $20 million was earmarked for repaving and reconstruction work to take place.
"So we are seeing governments responding to the concerns that constituents may have," he said.
The top 10 worst roads in Ontario last year were mainly in the Greater Toronto Area.
Pirvu said the campaign is open to all types of road users such as motorists, cyclists, public transit users, and pedestrians. Those who submit a nomination could be eligible to win prizes such as free gas for a year and Ultimate Dining gift cards.