CAA-Québec reveals the 10 worst roads of 2024: A call to urgent action

Source: CAA-Québec

For the ninth consecutive year, the « Worst Roads » campaign organized by CAA-Québec has unveiled the significant challenges drivers face on the province’s roads. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the public and authorities about the urgent need to renovate Quebec’s crumbling road infrastructure.

By highlighting these issues, the campaign hopes to drive significant changes that will enhance the safety and comfort of road users. Quebec’s roads are often unfavorably compared to those in other regions such as the United States or other Canadian provinces, raising questions about the effectiveness of the funds allocated for their maintenance. To better understand these challenges, CAA-Québec consulted with domain experts.

Alan Carter, an expert in pavements and bituminous materials at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), and Guy Doré, professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Université Laval, provided detailed explanations about the technical reasons and budgetary constraints affecting the state of the roads.

Here is the list of the ten worst roads in Quebec for 2024, according to a survey by CAA-Québec:

1. Route 329 (MTMD), Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, Laurentides – Criticized for its potholes and insufficient maintenance.

2. Chemin du Contour-du-Lac-à-Beauce, La Tuque, Mauricie- Known for its deteriorated roads that complicate driving.

3. Chemin Pink, Gatineau, Outaouais- Suffers from deep cracks and structural issues.

4. Chemin Notch, Chelsea, Outaouais- Damaged roads in dire need of repair.

5. Boulevard Albiny-Paquette, Mont-Laurier- Persistent surface degradation problems.

6. Chemin des Mille-Isles, Mille-Isles, Laurentides- Road infrastructure in pitiful condition.

7. Chemin Val-des-Lacs, Sainte-Sophie, Laurentides- Marked by numerous surface defects.

8. Chemin Édouard-Roy, Sherbrooke, Estrie- Severe damage requiring urgent attention.

9. Chemin Klock, Gatineau, Outaouais- Notable for its precarious road conditions.

10. Route 321 (MTMD) – Chemin de L’Ascension, L’Ascension, Laurentides- Neglected road needing immediate interventions.

This annual campaign plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources for necessary renovations and sparking discussions that, hopefully, will lead to concrete actions to improve the alarming situation of Quebec’s roads.

The campaign has not only highlighted the general state of disrepair but has also brought attention to specific regional issues that reflect the diverse geographical and climatic challenges across Quebec, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions in different areas.

Regional Breakdown of the 2024 List: