QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 11, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Did the latest edition of CAA-Quebec's Worst Roads campaign produce results? There's no doubt it led to some progress, but far from enough! Only $4.5 million has been budgeted to repair 2017's 10 worst roads in Quebec, when in fact at least $20 million would be required to rebuild just one: Chemin Kilmar, which tops the nefarious rankings!
The objective of the annual Worst Roads campaign is clear: to give a voice to car drivers, truckers, pedestrians, bicyclists and all those who use and expect a quality road network. This year, all "Top 10" roads on the list are under municipal jurisdiction and only four of them have been, or are being, repaired. Despite all their goodwill, the municipalities mentioned in the list believe that without provincial government support, it is impossible for them to meet these expectations.
A cry from the heart from municipalities
"As we compiled the results of the 2017 Worst Roads campaign, half of the municipalities listed in the rankings literally issued a cry from the heart, feeling powerless in the face of the deterioration of their roads, whose maintenance is their responsibility," says Sophie Gagnon, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, for CAA-Quebec. "Although aware of the public's expectations and mindful of the impacts of the bad road conditions, they say their hands are tied by the lack of funds available for improvement."
The Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), which represents some 1,000 cities, towns and regional country municipalities across the province, is not surprised by the significant number of municipal thoroughfares on the Worst Roads list that are located in rural communities.
The same amounts as in… 1993!
"The municipalities in Quebec's regions are tasked with maintaining many kilometres of roads with revenues from a limited number of taxpayers," points out FQM President Richard Lehoux. "Unfortunately, the contributions they receive from the Quebec government's Programme d'aide à l'entretien du réseau routier local (local road network maintenance assistance program) have not increased since 1993. On the other hand, between 2009 and 2013, the increased cost of snow removal and roadwork has been responsible for a 19% growth in municipal maintenance expenditures, while the funding for these purposes hasn't risen in over 20 years. It's easy to imagine the revenue shortfall facing many cities and towns."
And the $4.5 million...?
And what was this $4.5 million used for? To patch, plug or seal, the authorities say. To repair potholes, spread gravel, reasphalt portions of road or repair pavement, with the idea being to make roads that look like they are in a war zone passable until the next freeze-thaw cycle.
Quebec… a giant construction zone
There's no doubt that the government is investing massively in our roads, but has it put all its eggs in one basket?
"Projects are being announce by the hundreds of millions of dollars, but despite this, the road network continues to deteriorate, mainly in smaller, more remote cities and towns. What are the Quebec government's plans for them?" Ms. Gagnon wonders.
Prevention is the secret
CAA-Quebec believes that prevention remains the best way of keeping our road network in good shape at reasonable cost.
| Per-kilometre costs1: |
||
| • |
Preventive maintenance (less than 12 years): |
$1,400 |
| • |
Repair (12 to 15 years): |
$114,000 |
| • |
Reconstruction (more than 15 years): |
$356,000 |
"For years, the FQM has been asking the government to upgrade the Programme d'aide à l'entretien du réseau routier local in order to enable municipalities to improve road quality, but the answers are not forthcoming," Mr. Lehoux laments. "This untenable situation has lasted long enough. Now we need to act!"
Getting things moving!
There will be another Worst Roads campaign in 2018, and CAA-Quebec encourages all road users to support this initiative. Until then, the organization has sent its findings to André Fortin, Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification, stressing the importance of answering the needs of the smaller localities. Finally, CAA-Quebec reminds citizens that they can always ensure they are heard, not only by the authorities concerned but by their local elected representatives.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, provides all of its members with peace of mind by offering them high-quality automotive, travel, residential and insurance benefits, products and services.
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1 Source: Extrapolation in 2016 by CAA-Quebec of 1996 data from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
SOURCE CAA-Québec
Montreal, Annie Gauthier, 514 861-7111, ext. 6260, Cell. : 514 717-4040, [email protected]; Quebec City, Pierre-Olivier Fortin, 418 624-2424, ext. 6430, Cell. : 418 563-4590, [email protected]
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