Dangerous ruts to be fixed on Cape Breton’s Highway 125, but only for 10-km stretch

The province of Cape Breton is facing a critical issue with dangerous ruts on a 10-kilometre stretch of Highway 125, which have been linked to crashes in the past. Retired Public Works employee, Danny Laffin, has been vocal about the need for a more permanent solution to fix these ruts. Laffin believes that the use of a microcoating material to fill in the grooves is only a temporary fix and that a different type of material is required to address the problem effectively.

The ruts on Highway 125 have been a cause of concern for local volunteer fire chiefs, who have highlighted the role they play in accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. The situation worsens during rainy weather, as the ruts fill with water, leading to hydroplaning. Drivers often swerve to avoid driving in the grooves, further increasing the risk of accidents.

According to Laffin, the ruts are primarily caused by passenger vehicles rather than large highway trucks. He attributes the problem to studded tires wearing away at the road surface. Laffin stresses the importance of addressing the issue promptly, stating that the safety of individuals using the highway should be a top priority.

Despite not being included in the province’s five-year highways plan, Public Works Minister Fred Tilley has announced plans to repave a 10-kilometre section of Highway 125 later this summer. Tilley acknowledges the longstanding nature of the problem and emphasizes the need for immediate action to address it. He reassures the public that the upcoming repaving project will provide a lasting solution to the issue.

Tilley highlights the complexity of factors contributing to the formation of ruts, including paving materials, traffic volume, and studded tires. While the upcoming repaving project aims to resolve the issue on this particular stretch of highway, Tilley does not have a concrete plan to prevent the ruts from reoccurring or to address similar problems on other highways in the province.

Despite facing repercussions for speaking out about the issue in the past, Laffin remains steadfast in his belief that the government can do better in addressing the ruts on Highway 125. He stresses the importance of public safety and urges the authorities to take proactive measures to ensure a safer driving experience for all motorists. As the repaving project on Highway 125 approaches, residents hope that it will mark a significant step towards resolving the longstanding issue of dangerous ruts on the highway.