The "worst roads" effect: repaving Quebec one vote at a time over the past 9 years

The mild winter we've just had hasn't softened the blow of potholes on the province's various arteries. Indeed, the traditional potholes are back everywhere. CAA-Quebec is taking this opportunity to launch its annual Worst Roads campaign, inviting all road users to vote. The aim is to demonstrate the importance of maintaining our infrastructures by highlighting those that are clearly in more urgent need than others.

For this 9th year, all road users are invited to vote online until April 23, 2024. CAA-Quebec will then draw up its famous ranking and follow up with the municipalities concerned and the Ministère des transports et de la mobilité durable.   

"We are proud to be launching the Worst Roads campaign once again. From the outset, its effects have been tangible. And, while there's still a lot of work to be done, the campaign gives all users the opportunity to make their voices heard and contribute to improving the road network."
- Sophie Gagnon, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility

Many roads repaired in 9 campaigns

Despite the still deplorable state of many of the province's roads, the Worst Roads campaign has certainly produced concrete results since its launch. Indeed, over the years, there have been numerous examples of roads that have been completely rebuilt. 

To name but a handful: boulevard de la Gappe in Gatineau, boulevard Gouin in Montreal, avenue Gourdeau in Saint-Agapit, chemin Craig in Lévis and Traverse de Laval in Lac-Beauport. These roads alone have received more than $13 million in investments. 

According to a CAA study conducted in 2021, poor road conditions cost Quebecers an average of $258 per vehicle per year, compared with $126 for the Canadian average. 

Here's the link to vote: https://piresroutes.com/clubs/caaquebec-fr/vote/.

How much does it cost to drive into a pothole? 

Damaging your vehicle in a pothole can be very expensive. In fact, for a bill of $1,000 or less, CAA-Quebec recommends not contacting your insurer. The potential increase in premium and the stain on the file that could result are simply not worth it. Here's a list of the most frequently broken parts and their replacement cost, to which you must of course add labor: 

- Tire: $150 to $350
- Steel wheel: $100
- Alloy wheel: $600
- Suspension arm: $200 to $400
- Steering knuckle: $100 to $250
- Shock absorber: $200 to $400
- Strut: $200 to $400
- Suspension ball joint: $150 to $300
- Parallelism (alignment): $100 to $200