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
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.