.jpg)
The 14th annual CAA Manitoba Worst Roads campaign is underway, giving Manitobans the chance to highlight the roads most in need of repair across the province.
“Our research shows that 96 per cent of Manitobans are concerned about the state of our roads,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government relations at CAA Manitoba. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Manitobans a voice in highlighting the roads they believe are in need of repair, which provides a valuable snapshot to decision-makers.”
Whether it’s a pothole-ridden commute or a crumbling highway, Manitobans can nominate any road they feel needs fixing.
Poor roads can be costly for drivers
Friesen noted that road conditions are more than just an inconvenience—they’re a financial burden.
“Our survey found more than half of respondents have experienced vehicle damage because of poor roads,” he said. “That’s concerning for a number of reasons, but affordability is a major issue. Many families are holding onto vehicles longer than before, and when you suddenly need repairs because of bad roads, it hurts.”
According to CAA Manitoba, the survey found that the average cost of repairing vehicle damage caused by poor road conditions is $882. The most common issues include flat tires, damaged rims, suspension problems, and broken rod ends.
“There’s a whole bunch of things that can happen as a result of bad roads, so funding for road maintenance and infrastructure is actually an affordability issue,” Friesen said. “The state of our roads is really costing us in a very literal way.”
Rural nominations encouraged
While Winnipeg roads often make the list, last year’s “Worst Road” was 18th Street in Brandon. That ranking led to swift action from municipal and provincial officials.
Friesen encouraged Manitobans in all communities to take part in the campaign.
“If you live in a rural part of this province, you depend on our roads—there’s just no other way to put it,” he said. “If something happens to that road, how do you get anywhere? We really want to encourage Manitobans to find that road that’s always been an issue and add it to our nomination list.”
How to nominate
Nominations for the Worst Roads campaign can be submitted online until April 11. Once voting closes, CAA Manitoba will compile a list of the top 10 worst roads in the province, to be announced at a later date.
The survey referenced in this story was conducted online with 1,014 CAA Manitoba Members between January 6 and 14, 2025. Based on the sample size and a 95 per cent confidence level, the margin of error for the study is +/-3 per cent.