Drivers whose commute regularly takes them along Adelaide Street North aren’t likely to be surprised to find the main London artery on a worst roads list.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issued its annual list for worst roads in Ontario on Tuesday. The northern stretch of Adelaide Street cracked the top three worst roads in the organization’s western region.
The only roads deemed worse off this year were York Road in Guelph and John Street in Stratford.
The CAA’s western region includes Middlesex County, Oxford County, Brant County, Huron County, Norfolk County, Perth County, and the Waterloo Region.
The annual list is compiled based on drivers, cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians votes. Roads given the dubious distinction are often riddled with potholes, heavily congested, poorly maintained, or lack cycling infrastructure.
“The 2023 CAA Worst Roads campaign provides a valuable snapshot of the roads that the public perceives as pain points,” said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president for CAA South Central Ontario. “For 20 years, this campaign has served as a powerful advocacy tool, initiating dialogues with decision-makers and driving positive change for safer roads across Ontario.”
Work to improve the condition of Adelaide Street North is already underway in London. A four-lane underpass is being constructed beneath the CP Rail tracks that cross the busy street. City officials have previously stated the underpass will eliminate the estimated 11 to 30 times each day drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are blocked by passing trains. In addition to that, it will provide a reliable route for emergency services and public transit. Construction began last year and is expected to be completed by 2025.
Provincially, no London-area roads made the top ten.
Barton Street East in Hamilton took the number one spot in Ontario, its second year in the top spot. According to CAA, Barton topped the list again due to persistent issues with potholes and severe alligator cracking in the pavement.
The full list of Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads for 2023 is as follows:
Barton Street East, Hamilton
Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto
County Road 49, Prince Edward County
Carling Avenue, Ottawa
Finch Avenue West, Toronto
Laclie Street, Orillia
Steeles Avenue East, Toronto
Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton
Lakeshore Boulevard East, Toronto
Hurontario Street, Mississauga
