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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.