Do you know of a street that's in a poor state of repair locally?
If so, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) wants to hear about it through their annual Worst Roads campaign, which officially launched Wednesday.
Residents are being asked for their feedback on roads that have potholes, poor traffic signage, traffic congestion, and a lack of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
CAA South Central Ontario Government Relations Consultant Brian Pirvu said the initiative has been going on for over two decades.
It gives the powers that be a different perspective on things.
"It serves as an advocacy tool and a campaign to allow road users to voice their concerns over the state of their roads," said Pirvu. "We've had great success with the campaign in terms of influencing the different decision makers at the municipal and provincial levels to prioritize infrastructure projects. Roads are critical for everyone, everyone takes roads so we know it's of concern. About 84 per cent of our CAA members reported that they are concerned about the state of the roads, and 74 per cent are venting to their friends, colleagues and loved ones."
Pirvu said Windsor's Lauzon Parkway placed number one in the region in 2023.
"In 2021, the City of Windsor responded to the Worst Roads campaign after Lauzon Parkway went on the regional list," he said. "They announced about $8.1 million in funding for the reconstruction of Lauzon Parkway which was completed in 2023. We also know the province is including an interchange that will connect Lauzon to Highway 401, which is underway."
Pirvu said Plank Road in Sarnia was second, while Tecumseh Road East, University Avenue West, and Sandwich Street in Windsor came in third, fourth, and fifth.
It's hoped Plank Road will be excluded from this year's rankings, given ongoing improvements there. It's been on the list for seven years in a row
"We understand these road infrastructure projects take time," he said. "There's a large scale infrastructure project going on there right now. It was a two year project to rebuild and widen Plank Road between Indian Road South and Highway 40."
The third and final phase of the Plank Road reconstruction project is expected to begin within the next couple of weeks and be completed by late summer.
Sarnia City Council recently awarded a tender of $3.5 million to Van Bree Drainage and Bulldozing Limited for phase three of the project, which spans from just south of McGregor Sideroad to Highway 40. It includes the replacement of the water main, new water services to properties, new asphalt overlay, and wide paved shoulders for active transportation.
You can vote for the worst roads online until April 19 by visiting www.caaworstroads.com.
The results will be released sometime in May.