Expect major traffic snarls this weekend as a crucial section of Highway 417 in central Ottawa shuts down for over 100 hours. The long-postponed replacement of the Percy Street bridge is slated to take place, causing the full closure of the Queensway. Eastbound traffic between Carling/Kirkwood and Metcalfe Street, and westbound movement between Metcalfe/Catherine and Bronson Avenue will be completely cut off from Thursday, 8 p.m. onwards till the following Tuesday.
Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and the City of Ottawa have affirmed that Highway 417 is projected to resume function by Tuesday, 6 a.m. As the city stated, the replacement timetable has been stretched beyond the typical Monday reopening due to potential autumn weather influences on the concrete and paving work.
The construction phase will see the utilization of rapid bridge replacement technology, facilitating the removal of the existing highway overpass while the pre-constructed new bridge is maneuvered into its set location. The Percy Street overpass was first set for replacement during 10-13 August, but work was postponed due to the need for more time to finish preparations and final adjustments to the bridge. This is indicative of the intricate nature of rapid bridge replacements.
As the Ottawa councillors optimistically state, “third time’s a charm,” anticipating a smooth execution of the plan at this juncture. Motorists heading to the weekend Senators games at Canadian Tire Centre, 67’s games at TD Place, events at the National Arts Centre, or other events in Ottawa, should be prepared for delays due to the highway closure.
The traffic disruptions are expected to be substantial, with this weekend marking the final instance of partial closures on Highway 417 in Ottawa for the year. The previous instances saw the highway temporarily closed in July for the replacement of the Bronson Avenue Bridge and later for the installation of a pedestrian bridge near Greenbank Road by the Queensway.
With respect to the Percy Street bridge replacement, here are the crucial details: Highway 417’s eastbound lanes will be shut off between Carling/Kirkwood and Metcalfe Street, while westbound lanes will close between Metcalfe/Catherine and Bronson Avenue. Consequently, several ramps along Highway 417, including O’Connor westbound, Lyon westbound (ongoing), Maitland eastbound, Carling eastbound, and Parkdale eastbound will be out of use.
Detours have been planned, with westbound motorists on Highway 417 being directed to exit the highway at the Metcalfe/Catherine exit, travel westbound on Catherine Street to Bronson Avenue, and re-enter the highway at the Bronson westbound ramp. Meanwhile, eastbound commuters must exit Highway 417 at Carling/Kirkwood and follow the recommended route, continuing eastbound on Carling Avenue to Bronson Avenue, thereafter enabling them to take the ramp to eastbound Riverside Drive, eventually reach Highway 417, and re-access the highway at the Riverside eastbound ramp.
Moreover, certain downtown road closures will occur, including Chamberlain Avenue which will be shut off between Percy Street and Bronson Avenue until Nov. 1, Percy Street itself will remain closed between Catherine Avenue and Chamberlain Avenue until Nov. 6, and Imperial Street will be cordoned off between Renfrew Avenue and Chamberlain Avenue. Brace yourselves, it’s bound to be a hurdle-ridden transportation scenario, but the authorities promise speed in getting things back to normal.
