Where are the worst roads in northern Ontario?
From crumbling asphalt to potholes to poor signage, the annual Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Worst Roads campaign to influence local and provincial governments to fix damaged and aging roadways is now open for voting.
A photo of a pothole in North Bay, Ont. on Mach 24, 2023. (File photo/Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
In 2023, Algonquin Boulevard East in Timmins earned the not-so-coveted first place in CAA’s worst roads in the region list – for the second year in a row. Fielding Road in the Greater Sudbury community of Lively was second, Premier Road in North Bay third with two other Sudbury streets rounding out the top five.
Some Timmins residents told CTV news that they feel Algonquin Boulevard still tops the list.
“I helped encourage people to vote for it to be the worst road, keeping it on there,” said Timmins city councillor Steve Black.
“Since that time, we’ve got some funding and are starting to chip away at the large amount of work that needs to be done.”
North Bay residents taking a walk or driving down Premier Road are frustrated with the pothole problem.
“It never seems to go away,” said Peter Bodle, who lives on Premier Road, in a recent interview with CTV News.
CAA is again calling on all levels of government with the Worst Roads campaign to address problem areas and have roadways properly repaired or repaved.
"Poor roads affect us all. They make us late, cause delivery delays, contribute to congestion, and most importantly, can endanger those who use them," said CAA on its website.
“Obviously there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done on the highways,” said Black.
“So, I won’t be surprised if we’re still on the top 10 list for a couple more years.”
Black added that the Worst Roads List helps communities advocate for more government funding.
“Voting for Ontario's Worst Roads helps shine the spotlight on where more work is needed,” said the association.
“Over the years, we have heard about potholes, congestion, poor road signs and other safety concerns.”
Bad roads are more than annoying for motorists; they can be expensive. According to a CAA survey, on average, vehicles damaged by potholes cost $852.
CAA has run the campaign for more than 20 years now.
The campaign runs until April 19 and is open for those wishing to vote on CAA's Worst Roads.
CAA’s data shows that more than 80 per cent of its members are worried about the state of their local roads.
After the nominations are gathered, the top 10 worst roads in the province will be revealed to the public.
– With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.