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
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.
Top whisky, rum and gin brands could pull products from LCBO amid pricing dispute
A group that represents a long list of spirit brands is warning that some popular products could be pulled from the Ontario market amid a multi-million dollar dispute with the LCBO.
4 dead after Houston storms cause widespread damage, major blackouts
Power outages could last weeks in parts of Houston after thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds tore through the city, an official said Friday, knocking out electricity to nearly 1 million homes and businesses.