CAA Niagara Calls on Residents to Vote for the Worst Road in Niagara

THOROLD, ON (March 28, 2023) – CAA Niagara has launched its 19th annual Worst Roads campaign, which aims to identify the worst roads in the region in terms of safety and infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to cast their votes for the roads they believe require the most urgent attention and repair.

Roads deteriorate over time due to factors like age, weather conditions, heavy traffic, and inadequate maintenance. Freeze-thaw cycles also play a large role in creating potholes, especially when temperatures regularly fluctuate above and below freezing point, as they have this past winter.

As inflation and fuel prices continue to rise, CAA Niagara is urging people to consider the financial impact of deteriorating and unmaintained roads on their budgets. According to CAA’s 2021 Poor Roads Study, Ontario drivers incur an average of $88 in extra costs each year because of unmaintained roads. This includes additional vehicle repairs, higher maintenance, and other operating expenses.

“Our local governments are committed to improving Niagara’s roadways for the safety of both residents and travellers,” said Peter Van Hezewyk, President and CEO, CAA Niagara. “However, there is still work to be done and who better to help identify roads in need of repair than Niagara’s road users. We encourage everyone, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and transit users, to participate in this campaign.”

The Poor Roads study also indicated that 29 percent of Ontario roads are rated below good condition, with more than 32,000 km of poor roads spanning across the province.

Until April 21st, residents can cast their vote for Niagara’s Worst Roads at caaworstroads.com and be entered for a chance to win a grand prize draw of free gas for a year.

In 2022, Ontario Street in St. Catharines was voted the worst road in the region, making it onto Niagara’s top ten list five times since 2015. Other roads that reappeared on the Worst Roads list in 2022 include Lundy’s Lane, Portage Road, Garner Road, Willoughby Drive, Drummond Road and Saint David’s Road.

To view the full Top Worst Roads list of 2022 or CAA’s Poor Roads Study, visit caaniagara.ca/worstroads.