Gatineau MP calls for changes to traffic flow on Champlain Bridge during construction
A Gatineau MP has launched a petition to call on the National Capital Commission to open both lanes of the Champlain Bridge to Ottawa-bound traffic during the morning commute.
Only one lane of traffic is open to both Ottawa-bound and Gatineau-bound traffic while construction is underway on the interprovincial bridge. The NCC launched the second and final phase of its rehabilitation project on the Champlain Bridge on March 20, which includes repaving, concrete deck repairs and waterproofing, and bike lane improvements.
Hull-Aylmer MP Greg Fergus has launched a petition to open both lanes of the bridge in the same direction during the morning rush-hour to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
Fergus says the current plan for one lane in each direction is resulting in "severe traffic congestion" during the morning rush hour, which is causing delays for commuters and increasing fuel consumption, air pollution and the risk of accidents.
"By temporarily changing traffic management, we can have a significant positive impact on the daily lives of thousands of commuters, while promoting environmental sustainability and road safety," the petition says.
"We therefore urge the NCC to consider our proposal to improve the daily lives of thousands of drivers, while promoting environmental sustainability and road safety."
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Fergus says while the rehabilitation project is good for the bridge, the traffic flow is causing concerns.
"The simple solution is during the morning rush hours, to have both lanes heading towards Ottawa," says Fergus, whose asking people to contact the NCC and their city councillor to call for the change.
The NCC says Phase 2 of the rehabilitation project will last until November.
The agency does warn motorists can expect delays as the open lanes on the Champlain Bridge will be "narrower", and the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 40 km/h.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
BREAKING 6 injured in Sharbot Lake, Ont. crash; 2 in life-threatening condition
Ontario Provincial Police say six people have suffered severe injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont, including two in life-threatening condition.