Here are the road closures to expect when U.S. President Biden visits Ottawa
U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady, will be visiting Ottawa Thursday and Friday to meet with the governor general and the prime minister and to address Parliament.
A large security apparatus will accompany the president on his visit, and residents can expect a heavy police presence and the sight of military aircraft and drones around the capital.
American flags were installed in downtown Ottawa on Wednesday ahead of the president's visit. Crews have installed bike racks and other fencing near Parliament Hill, and police could be seen doing run-throughs of motorcade movements.
- Where to watch live coverage of Biden's trip to Canada
- Policy primer: Wide range of topics to be discussed during Biden's visit
The city of Ottawa has released its list of road closures for the presidential motorcade and visit, starting Thursday when Biden arrives and ending Friday night after his departure.
Biden is expected to meet with Governor General Mary Simon at the Ottawa Airport around 6:25 p.m. Thursday, according to the Governor General's Office.
"The morning commute on Thursday, March 23 is not expected to be impacted, however, for security reasons, the exact details and timing of road closures and other impacts to City services may be communicated at the last minute," the city says. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as this visit takes place."
ROAD CLOSURES
The city says the following roads will be fully closed from 4 p.m. Thursday until 11 p.m. Friday:
- Wellington Street, between Metcalfe Street and Mackenzie Avenue
- Rideau Street, between Mackenzie Avenue and Dalhousie Street
- Elgin Street, between Queen and Wellington streets
- Mackenzie Avenue, between Murray and Rideau streets
- Colonel By Drive, between Daly Avenue and Rideau Street
- Sussex Drive, between Rideau Street and George Street
TEMPORARY ROLLING ROAD CLOSURES
There will also be temporary rolling road closures throughout the president's time in Ottawa. The city warns some of these closures may last several hours.
Thursday:
- Airport Parkway, between the Ottawa International Airport and Bronson Avenue
- Bronson Avenue, between Findlay Avenue and Airport Parkway
- Colonel By Drive, between Hog’s Back Road and Daly Avenue
- Sussex Drive, between George Street and Princess Drive
Friday:
- Wellington Street (westbound), between Kent and Metcalfe streets
- Wellington Street (eastbound), between Lyon and Metcalfe streets
- Metcalfe Street, between Queen and Wellington streets
- O’Connor Street, between Queen and Wellington streets
- Bank Street, between Queen and Wellington streets
- Sussex Drive, between Rideau Street and Princess Avenue
- Princess Drive, between Sir George-Étienne Parkway and Sussex Drive
- Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, between Bearbrook Road and Princess Drive
- Aviation Parkway, north of Montreal Road
- Airport Parkway, between the Ottawa International Airport and Bronson Avenue
- Bronson Avenue, between Holmwood Avenue and Airport Parkway
- Colonel By Drive, between Hog’s Back Road and Daly Avenue
- Sussex Drive, between George Street and Princess Drive
In addition, the Macdonald-Cartier and Alexandra bridges will have intermittent and temporary closures in both directions for all vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic during movement of the motorcade. The Chaudière bridge is closed due to rehabilitation work. The Portage bridge remains open in both directions.
The city suggests people avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas while Biden is in town and to expect a wait if you must travel. Businesses in the area are advised to let their customers know of any changes to hours or any closures via social media or other direct communications.
O-Train Line 1 service will operate as regularly scheduled. Some OC Transpo bus routes and Para Transpo service will experience travel delays due to road closures and various routes will experience detours during select time periods. Bus service will be detoured from Rideau Street to Mackenzie King Bridge on Thursday and Friday.
The city does not expect the presidential visit to affect waste collection on either Thursday or Friday.
This is Biden's first visit to Canada since taking office in 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
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.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
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.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
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.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.