Mayor drives campaign for Quebec’s worst road designation

After four weeks of reporting, with nearly 5,000 votes recorded at worstroads-caaquebec.com, Chemin de la Traverse connecting Lac-Beauport to Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval has been labelled the worst road in Quebec.

In this first annual ranking of worst roads, participants made their voices heard and compiled this list covering streets and highways provincewide. In launching this campaign, CAA-Quebec sought to give citizens a voice, knowing just how important the condition of the road network can be for everyday travel. The level of response provides a clear reminder of taxpayers’ concerns regarding maintenance of this crucial infrastructure.

With Boulevard Laure in Sept-Îles remaining in the top position since the start of the campaign, there was every reason to believe it would finish first. A movement was formed in the region, with the local mayor urging his fellow citizens to vote for this road, which has been in poor shape for several years. However, the final days of the campaign ended up favouring Chemin de la Traverse, giving it top “honour.”

“This tool is intended as an added platform to support citizens in their efforts to improve the overall condition of the road network,” says Sophie Gagnon, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, at CAA-Quebec. “Considering the public’s interest in the campaign, we think we have met our goal in this initial year.”

The roads mentioned by Internet users are part of both provincial and municipal networks (including streets in Montreal, Quebec City, Orford, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge and Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse). “This diversity shows the scope of the task that lies ahead in upgrading our road network,” Gagnon notes. “And since this is also a major road safety issue, we are very pleased by the public response to this first annual survey.”

CAA-Quebec is well aware of the $16.7 billion earmarked for road repairs and maintenance in the 2015–2025 Quebec Infrastructure Plan. Providing for roads to be in good condition is vital. As taxpayers, motorists are entitled to expect this type of recurring investment and to see optimal priority given to roadwork.

CAA-Quebec has notified the authorities responsible for the thoroughfares and sections of roads on the list and plans to follow up on any changes. “In the last 10 years, 90% of the roads that appeared on the Worst Roads list in Ontario have been, or are being, repaired,” Ms. Gagnon adds.

On May 14, the Quebec Transport Ministry announced major repairs to Boulevard Laure in Sept-Îles. Some $1.2 million in paving work over a four-kilometre stretch will be done in the summer of 2015. Also, traffic lights will be modified to improve synchronization, and two intersections will be redesigned to improve traffic flow on the boulevard – evidence that the department’s priorities match those of taxpayers.

Quebec’s 10 worst roads 

• • Boulevard Laure, Sept-Îles
  • Chemin du Lac-Bécancour, Thetford Mines
  • Chemin Kilmar, Grenville-sur-la-Rouge
  • Highway 389 (unpaved), Fermont
  • Chemin du 8e Rang, Saint-Nérée-de-Bellechasse
  • Boulevard Henri-Bourassa, Quebec City
  • Chemin de la Rivière-Châteauguay, Ormstown
  • Rue du Panache, Orford
  • Avenue Papineau, Montreal
  • Rue de la Savane *, Montreal
  • Highway 105 *, Chelsea

* With only one vote separating 10th and 11th places (two roads qualify with the same result), CAA-Quebec decided to include Rue de la Savane and Highway 105 on its list.

For a look at some striking images, visit CAA-Quebec’s Facebook page.

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges to its 1,290,000 members.