Hamilton Street Named Ontario’s Worst Road for Second Consecutive Year: Full List of the Most Damaged Roads

Aberdeen Avenue in Hamilton has once again claimed the dubious distinction of being named Ontario’s worst road, marking the second consecutive year it has topped the annual list. The latest results of the CAA Worst Roads campaign, unveiled on Thursday, highlight ongoing frustration among drivers and residents who regularly contend with crumbling pavement, hazardous potholes, and inadequate maintenance along this busy corridor.

Since its first appearance on the regional worst roads list in 2021, Aberdeen Avenue has become a symbol of infrastructure neglect in Hamilton. Climbing the ranks quickly, it broke onto the provincial spotlight in 2023 and has yet to relinquish its grip on the unwanted title. Those who travel the street frequently have expressed ongoing concerns about vehicle damage and safety risks associated with poor road conditions.

Also making the podium this year are Barton Street East, also in Hamilton, and County Road 49 in Prince Edward County. According to campaign officials, these roads are each slated for significant upgrades and repairs, with planning already underway to address the hazards that landed them on this notorious list.

“Timely repairs, better communication, quick fixes, dedicated pothole funding, and using recycled materials could all help remedy the situation on our worst roads,” explained Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations. She emphasized the importance of stable government funding and ongoing attention to road safety, issues that have resonated with communities across the province.

Toronto made its presence felt once again in the rankings. Three major city arteries—Eglinton Avenue West, Gardiner Expressway, and Sheppard Avenue West—appear in the top ten. The Gardiner Expressway, in particular, is undergoing crucial bridge rehabilitations as part of Toronto’s Strategic Rehabilitation Plan, expected to last until December 2026.

Looking back, Eglinton Avenue East was named Ontario’s worst road in 2019, while previous years saw Dufferin Street and Steeles Avenue receive the same unwanted acknowledgment. This pattern underscores persistent public complaints about the aging, overburdened urban infrastructure in Canada’s largest city.

Beyond Toronto and Hamilton, Prince Edward County remains a fixture on the worst roads roster. Victoria Road led the list for 2021, and County Road 49—this year’s third-worst—previously ranked number one in 2016. Other areas of concern include Hurontario Street in Mississauga, Leveque Road in South Frontenac, and Highway 50 in Caledon, all facing mounting pressure from local residents for reconstruction or major repair work.

Regional breakdowns show that the problem is province-wide. From Banwell Road in Windsor to Dundas Street in London and Carling Avenue in Ottawa, communities large and small are demanding safer, smoother routes for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

Public participation in the 2025 campaign demonstrates the urgency behind the calls for action. This year, over 2,400 different roads were nominated from 208 municipalities, up substantially from the previous year. Survey data reveals deep dissatisfaction, with more than a quarter of respondents indicating that road work projects simply take too long to finish.

Potholes continue to be the most common grievance, cited by 84 per cent of respondents. Poor general maintenance and relentless traffic congestion followed closely behind, reflecting the widespread impact deteriorating infrastructure has on daily life in Ontario.

As municipal and provincial governments grapple with budget pressures and competing priorities, the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign remains a barometer of public frustration—and a call to invest in lasting solutions for safer, more reliable transportation networks.