York Road’s Poor Ranking
York Road in Guelph has once again been voted the worst road in the region by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). This marks the second consecutive year that York Road has topped the list for the Western Region, which includes London, Waterloo Region, and the counties of Brant, Huron, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, and Perth.
Factors Contributing to the Ranking
Reporter Joy Struthers, who frequently drives along York Road, reflects on its poor ranking. The road’s ongoing construction and rough sections have likely contributed to its negative perception among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
“York Road was rated worse than streets in Brant, Huron, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford, Perth County, and Waterloo Region, likely due to ongoing construction,” Struthers noted.
CAA’s Annual Report
The CAA releases its annual Worst Roads in Ontario report to highlight the most problematic streets both provincially and regionally. The report considers factors such as potholes, congestion, poor road signs, and other safety concerns.
“We know that the campaign works; time and time again, we see roads and infrastructure projects being moved up and budgets prioritized after the road has appeared on the list,” stated Teresa Di Felice, CAA assistant vice-president.
Regional and Provincial Comparisons
While York Road did not make the top 10 worst roads in all of Ontario, it remains a significant concern within its region. Other roads in the area, such as Ira Needles Boulevard in Waterloo, also featured prominently on the list.
“Roads, sidewalks, and bike paths are only some of the things municipal governments fund with limited revenue sources,” Di Felice added. “It’s important for communities to share their view on what and where investments should be made. CAA Worst Roads is a forum to do that.”
Conclusion
The ongoing issues with York Road highlight the need for continued investment and maintenance to improve the infrastructure for all users. The CAA’s report serves as a crucial tool for decision-makers to prioritize and address these concerns.
