CAA Reveals Worst Roads in Ontario

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 18, 2013) - Following the assessment of road nominations received from a record number of votes during the 2013 Worst Roads campaign, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) has announced the highly-anticipated Top 10 list, with three roads from CAANEO's region making the final tally.

"Not only did this year's campaign once again prove that any municipality, regardless of size, can make it to the Worst Roads list, but the more than 10,000 votes received reiterates that the state of infrastructure across the province remains a key concern for motorists," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for CAANEO.

From the North and East Ontario region, Timmins' Kraft Creek Road was voted to the Worst Roads list for the second year in a row, coming in at number four up from its fifth position on last year's total. Following its assessment of the roadway, the Ontario Road Builders' Association (ORBA) reiterated concerns raised by voters, stating: "The asphalt portion is atrocious and should be removed." And in eighth spot from the Clarence-Rockland area, Bouvier Road made its inaugural appearance on the list, which the ORBA referred to as being "a very poor road" in certain sections.

A regular on the Worst Roads list, Carling Avenue in Ottawa was voted to ninth place by road users. Despite ongoing road reconstruction along sections of Carling Ave., motorists continue to voice their frustrations with the state of this main thoroughfare.

This year's Top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario are:

This year's campaign highlighted the need for municipalities to share a portion of the gas tax revenue in order to support improvements to roads, bridges and highways. While the provincial government has charged a gas tax since 1925, a dedicated fund to assist with repairing municipal infrastructure is still lacking.

"Gas tax sharing is needed now to prevent the further deteriorating of our municipal roads and bridges. Predictable and sustainable funding will enable municipalities to better manage their road and bridge assets, thereby helping to minimize the long-term road repair bill," said Geoff Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Ontario Road Builders' Association.

Since the campaign commenced in 2003, 90% of all roads that have made the list in the past have been repaired, or are in the midst of being repaired.

CAA North & East Ontario provides emergency roadside assistance to Members, along with an extensive array of travel and insurance services designed to suit the individual needs, wants and expectations of our Members. Detailed information on the wide range of services and offerings available with CAA North & East Ontario can be found at caaneo.ca.