Please note, highway 417 work at Pinecrest is being accelerated for earlier completion. See full update below.
Construction activities in the centre median on Highway 417 near the Pinecrest Road overpass are now expected to be completed by July 6, three weeks ahead of schedule.
Crews are currently installing a foundation for an overhead highway sign on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). A lane shift is in place on Highway 417 eastbound and a westbound lane reduction and additional travel lane are in place after the westbound on-ramp at Woodroffe Avenue. This work is being undertaken by the City’s Stage 2 West Extension contractor on behalf of the Province, as the construction of the LRT tunnel in the area impacted the original highway sign.
This work has caused significant traffic congestion on the 417, particularly for motorists travelling west. Recognizing these impacts, the City of Ottawa and third-party highway construction experts, Stantec, have carefully examined all available options to accelerate the work schedule. Construction activities have been extended into evenings and weekends to accelerate progress and advance the completion date to July 6, three weeks ahead of schedule.
Temporary measures to improve traffic
Additional measures to address residents’ concerns regarding significant increases in traffic congestion and cut-through traffic in local neighbourhoods have been implemented.
The bus-only westbound 417 on-ramp at Woodroffe Avenue has been modified to provide motorists with a dedicated highway access lane to help to improve traffic flow on the on-ramp and provide additional capacity for highway traffic. This new ramp is now open to car traffic.
The City’s Traffic team is optimizing and adjusting traffic signal timing on arterial roads in the surrounding areas to keep motorists moving and reduce impacts on local streets.
Additional measures are being investigated to further alleviate traffic concerns in neighbourhoods. These measures include police presence during peak periods, additional signage, and reviewing additional traffic calming measures on local streets.
Staff continue to monitor conditions closely and make adjustments where possible. The City will continue to provide updates to residents, Councillors, and partners about ongoing traffic impacts on Highway 417.
Detours
The City recognizes the inconvenience this work has caused for commuters and nearby communities. Opening the bus-only lane to traffic entering westbound Highway 417 from Woodroffe Avenue is expected to help alleviate some congestion on westbound Highway 417.
Motorists north of the Highway near the Pinecrest Road and Greenbank Road 417 interchange are encouraged to use Carling Avenue to travel eastbound to Woodroffe Avenue, where they can access eastbound Highway 417.
Motorists should follow all detours, observe traffic control signage, and adhere to posted speed limits.
Pedestrians and cyclists should use extra caution and adhere to posted signage when localized detours are in place to ensure safety.
The pathway between Roman Avenue and OC Transpo’s Queensway Station will be closed to pedestrians during the detour, with alternative access via the Pinecrest Creek Pathway. Queensway Station Stop 3A, served by Route 406 to Canadian Tire Centre, will be out of service for the duration of the work. Alternative stops are at Pinecrest Station or Stop #4099 (Queensway/Woodroffe).