Worst Roads 2016: CAA-Quebec lets users have their say!

06/04/2016 04:00

QUEBEC CITY, April 6, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Which are Quebec's worst roads? That's what CAA-Quebec is trying to determine by letting users have their say on its forum, Worst Roads 2016. Between April 6 and May 1, members of the public are urged voice their opinion on the state of the road network by voting at worstroads-caaquebec.com. A playful tool, but one designed primarily to get the authorities moving.

Last year, thanks to online voters, a dubious ranking was drawn up of the 12 roads most often flagged. A year later, 10 of them have been or will shortly be repaired for the short term, representing an investment of more than $500 million.

"With this tool, we are acting as a sort of intermediary between thousands of voices and the relevant authorities," says Sophie Gagnon, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, CAA-Quebec. "Investments already made or those to come in 2015 and 2016 show that they are aware of the problems. For us, maintaining the road network is a major issue, especially since drivers pay $4 billion each year in various taxes for its maintenance. It is perfectly legitimate for them to be heard!"

Each vote counts
The Worst Roads website has been redesigned for the 2016 edition, allowing web surfers to vote more easily – and even to add a photo. CAA-Quebec will then get in touch with the authorities concerned by the 10 roads, or sections of road, most reported to obtain more information on solutions and investments planned.

"Motorists are our eyes," Ms. Gagnon notes. "After the up-and-down winter we've had, potholes and cracks are everywhere. Worst Roads can also be the right place to report unsafe areas for pedestrians and cyclists, inadequate traffic signs or road markings, and many other things!"

Roads in good condition benefit all. Worst Roads 2016 is part of the solution, drawing the attention of authorities to the importance of maintaining the road network. CAA-Quebec will make it a point to pass along the conclusions of this popular vote!

Lack of maintenance: costly for motorists

Repairing a wheel or tire damaged by driving through a pothole: $200 to $300.
Impact on the suspension: $1,000.

Emphasizing maintenance: profitable for authorities*

Preventive maintenance on 1 km of road that's 12 years old or less: $1,000.
Rebuilding 1 km of road that's 12 to 15 years old: $80,000.
Cost incurred to rebuild 1 km of road older than 15 years: $250,000.

*Source: Office of the Ontario Auditor General, Provincial Highway Maintenance

About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, provides all of its members with peace of mind by offering them high-quality automotive, travel, residential and insurance benefits, products and services.