It’s the final week of CAA Saskatchewan’s 2023 Worst Roads Campaign and Coteau Street West has jumped another two spots to land in No. 3.
Last week Coteau Street West was in fifth position, but clearly, residents really, really, really want to see this pothole-filled street receive the proper attention it deserves and hope to see it land in a higher position — or take the dubious spot at No. 1.
CAA’s Worst Roads Roving Reporter Angel Blair recently spoke to Mayor Clive Tolley about the community’s roads, including the Fourth Avenue (Thunderbird Viaduct) bridge. The viaduct placed seventh last year during the campaign.
“I want to emphasis it’s (the bridge) safe, but there are potholes and it is a challenge for us to continue to maintain that because of our inability to get heavy equipment up on the bridge,” Tolley said.
The bridge has been a vital part of Moose Jaw’s transportation for more than 100 years, while it has a rich and colourful history that city hall wants to preserve, Blair said.
Tolley pointed out the viaduct is more than just a bridge, it’s also been a beautiful structure during its lifetime. It started as a path before evolving to become a smaller bridge and then a full-fledged vehicle structure.
“It’s got beautiful First Nations motifs on it. It’s just really a big part of our culture and we want it done properly,” he added.
City hall is looking to partner with Canadian Pacific Rail — now known as Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Rail after the amalgamation — and higher levels of government because the project is going to cost $25 million, Tolley said.
“Our engineers have got a plan in place. We need the money to do it,” he continued, noting in the short-term, city crews will patch potholes on the bridge using hot-mix asphalt once warmer weather arrives.
As of April 24, the top 10 roads in the campaign included Highway 44 near Eston, Highway 30 near Eston, Coteau Street West, Highway 13 near Redvers, Highway 5 near Buchanan, Butte Street in Pilot Butte, Highway 9 near Whitewood, Highway 123 near Petaigan/Ravendale/Pemmican Portage, Highway 9 near Hudson Bay and Old Highway 35 near White Fox.
Visit caaworstroads.com/clubs/saskatchewan to vote for your favourite worst road. The competition closes Tuesday, April 25.
