Ongoing LRT construction frustrates Hwy. 174 commuters
Ongoing LRT construction in Ottawa's east end has some commuters unhappy with lane reductions along Highway 174.
The reduction near Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard, which a local city councillors calls "absolutely unacceptable," has snarled traffic in the area for the past week. As cars slowly crawl westbound along the highway, frustration is building for many commuters like John Klatt.
Ongoing LRT construction in Ottawa's east end has some commuters unhappy with lane reductions along Highway 174 in March of 2023.
"It's the parking lot known as Orléans. Anybody trying to get out of the area is trapped in this," Klatt said. "It takes a good half-hour sometimes between here in Montreal Road, normally it takes maybe two minutes, if that."
Klatt says although there are other routes to avoid the highway such as, St. Joseph Boulevard and Montreal and Innes roads, they aren't any better than simply waiting for the clog to clear.
The problem with this traffic pinch-point is in the planning, residents say. The lane reduction was needed to allow LRT construction crews safely install drainage infrastructure in the guideway, where Stage 2 trains will eventually run on tracks between the highway.
But the closure, which happened last Wednesday, was not communicated to residents, they say.
"ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE"
"This project has been difficult and intrusive for many Orléans residents, both from a construction impact and a traffic perspective," Coun. Matthew Luloff said. "It is absolutely unacceptable for residents to be dealing with this level of delay during their commute."
Luloff said he doesn't agree with having the fast lane of the highway closed during peak hours for an extended period and would have preferred an alternative solution.
"Since last week, I've been in constant communication with senior staff in the Stage 2 team to convey the frustration of my residents and it's clear that this is an unacceptable situation."
Farther east, near Place d'Orléans Shopping Centre, a one kilometre westbound stretch of Hwy. 174 is now reduced to a single lane until May, while crews install sound barriers for the LRT station.
Luloff said the communication on that lane reduction was better.
"This was clearly communicated to the public by Stage 2 teams in advance, and through my office, which allowed residents to plan ahead and your shift their travel plans accordingly," says Coun. Luloff. "On Monday and Tuesday of last week when the lane reductions were in place, delays were minimal and traffic moved generally well."
In a statement, the city said work is progressing well near Jeanne d'Arc and the lane is anticipated to reopen on or before next Monday.
"We anticipate that once the westbound lane closure near Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard ends, the impact to traffic will be greatly reduced," said the statement attributed to Jacelyn Daigle, acting director of the rail construction program. "We thank residents for their patience while we work to complete these activities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.