Eastbound Parkdale on-ramp will be closed for nearly the entire summer
Motorists in Ottawa will soon need to brace for a significant road closure affecting the eastbound on-ramp at Parkdale for almost four months this summer.
Despite the inconvenience, some residents in the area are looking forward to the new construction.
“Rush hour used to be at a certain time. Now it's all the time,” said Jim McHugh, a long-time resident living next to the Parkdale on-ramp.
Significant road closures affecting the Highway 417 eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp at Parkdale Ave. in Ottawa, Ont. (CTV News Ottawa)
McHugh has lived next to the on-ramp for over two decades and has somewhat grown accustomed to the noise.
"We don't hear the traffic anymore after 25 years. The only thing we hear are the motorcycles. And they’re bad," he added.
However, in just under two weeks, all that noisy traffic will disappear as the Parkdale on-ramp is set to close for construction from April 28 to Aug. 25. McHugh says that these changes are long overdue.
"We’ve been waiting for these walls to be replaced because these walls aren't very effective for the sound. We want to have the sound barriers on the ramp also. That’s more important than up there for us," he explained.
Crews will be working on replacing retaining walls and noise barriers to enhance safety and infrastructure integrity.
Jason Fuerst, Administrative Coordinator of the Wellington West BIA, expressed concerns about the closure's impact on local businesses.
"It’s going to be a challenge for our businesses to get traffic," he said. “We are hopeful that it'll be a strong season for biking (and) scooters. And then there's also the LRT. That won't necessarily mitigate the challenges, but it will help to kind of alleviate some of it.”
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Ottawa Councillor Jeff Leiper acknowledged the mixed reactions among residents.
"I know for some residents, they're looking forward to it because it will probably make Parkdale a little quieter for a while," he said. "But I know for some other residents, they're not going to be able to get onto the eastbound Queensway until Metcalf. So, (there is) a little more inconvenience there. Just make sure you're planning for that when you are heading eastbound."
The closure also raises concerns for emergency services, with Ottawa Paramedics preparing for detours while ensuring quick emergency responses during the closure.
"Our unit (is) responding from the Civic hospital, we'll have to take a detour," said Marc-Antoine Deschamps of Ottawa Paramedics. "However, this is taken into consideration, and we have other paramedic posts in the area that could be more appropriate and able to respond, without causing any delays."
Meanwhile, the eastbound off-ramp is anticipated to be closed from April 29 to May 14.
Despite the temporary disruptions, McHugh just hopes that these changes will bring a little more peace and quiet to his yard.
"We just hope it goes nice and clean and easy,” said McHugh. “Got to live with it."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.