OTTAWA, June 16, 2021 – As familiar as tulips in Ottawa every spring, the arrival of warm summer weather in the nation’s capital also marks the beginning of construction season. With this in mind the City of Ottawa have kindly provided a comprehensive guide to all of the upcoming summer work projects and objectives.
The City says, “in a time of pandemic restrictions, construction has remained a bright spot – reminding us that life will return to normal and, when it does, our roads, bridges, and buildings will be ready.”Ottawa construction infographic, City of Ottawa
In fact, from 2019-2024, the City of Ottawa is investing approximately $1.5-billion dollars in infrastructure renewal, with approximately $570 million earmarked for infrastructure projects in 2021, including:
- $45 million to rehabilitate roads
- $15 million to replace culverts
- $40 million to renew structures and bridges
- $51 million buildings and parks
- $9 million to renew sidewalks and multi-use pathways
- $105 million for integrated road-water-sewer reconstruction projects
- $14.8 million to repair and replace watermains
- $22.8 million investment in renewal projects for recreation and cultural facilities
This does not include investment for light rail transit or the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Joint Facility.
2021 Snapshot
Read on for more on the major construction activities taking place in 2021. Some activities are part of multi-year construction projects while others are just starting this year.
The City publishes multiple webpages and newsletters for many of the construction projects taking place in Ottawa. To learn more about any of these projects and more, visit the City’s webpage and sign up for our newsletters .
The City says they are committed to informing the public on current and forecasted construction projects. The Capital Construction Forecast Online Map helps residents search planned infrastructure projects.
Cycling in the cityCycling lane on Heron Road, City of Ottawa
The City of Ottawa’s cycling vision is to develop a citywide, connected network of cycling facilities for all types and ages of cyclists to help establish Ottawa as one of the best cycling networks in North America.
This year, construction on Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) will include two significant multi-use bridges for use by pedestrians and cyclists only, over the Rideau River and at Hunt Club Road. The work starts this year and, when complete, will deliver approximately 25 kilometres of new active transportation (pedestrian and cycling) facilities.
The City also says cycle tracks are also under construction along both sides of Bay Street, from Wellington Street to Laurier Avenue. The new Bay Street cycle tracks are an upgrade to the previous northbound-only bike lane. In the southbound direction, they add a valuable alternative to the previous options.
The second phase of construction on the Heron Road cycling facilities project is currently underway and expected to wrap up this year. The first phase added a protected intersection at Clover Street, a new multi-use pathway connection to connect Heron Transitway Station, and a new eastbound cycle track from Data Centre to Clover. This year, the City will also build cycle tracks from Clover to just east of Gilles Street.
Work is well underway on the Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Construction Project, transforming our city’s future transit system. This year, the City will continue construction to extend the O-Train farther east, west, and south resulting in 77 per cent of residents living within five kilometres of rail, when complete. In 2021, local employment is expected to peak at over 2,100 jobs across all three Stage 2 LRT O-Train extensions
O-Train East
The O-Train East extension will link Blair Station to Trim Road. This work will add 12 kilometres of rail and five new stations to the O-Train network at Montreal Road, Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard, Convent Glen, Place d’Orléans, and Trim Road. In 2021, crews will continue work on the Highway 174 to shift lanes and relocate utilities to make room in the centre median for the LRT stations and rail line. Bridge construction is underway at the East Rail Flyover Bridge, and on two, new highway overpasses at the Montreal Interchange.
O-Train WestConstruction on the O-Train West Line
The O-Train West Line will extend from Westboro Station to Moodie Drive and Algonquin Stations. The extension will add over 15 kilometres of new rail and 11 new stations between Tunney’s Pasture to Moodie Drive and to Algonquin Station. It also includes a light maintenance and storage facility, 10 new bridges, 14 rehabilitated bridges and two cut and cover tunnels. This year, crews will continue digging the tunnels, begin construction of stations, relocate utilities and install guideway, and pedestrian and road bridges.
O-Train South
The O-Train South Extension will run from Bayview Station to Limebank Road, with 12 kms of rail and 11 stations (new and existing). The Airport Link will run from South Keys to a new station at the Ottawa International Airport, with four kilometres of rail and two stations. Work is progressing well at the Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility and on multiple rail bridges and the guideway. This year, construction will continue on bridges and culverts, the guideway, and the ongoing work at stations and trackwork across the alignment.
Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Joint Facility (OPL-LAC)
Planned for an official opening in 2025, the construction of this facility is a key part of Ottawa’s vision to be the most liveable mid-size city in North America. The iconic net-zero carbon building will feature shared spaces between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada as well as unique spaces for each.
On May 17, 2021, the City of Ottawa reached a major project milestone by releasing the main construction tender to the pre-qualified General Contractors for the construction of the Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility and finalizing the facility design. The design is the direct result of an unprecedented public engagement process that asked Ottawa residents, Indigenous communities, and Canadians from across the country to provide design input and inspiration at every stage. Construction is anticipated to kick off this fall.
Road Renewal and Integrated Projects
Road Renewal Work $45 million investment in 2021
The City’s road resurfacing program rehabilitates and improves the driving surfaces of Ottawa’s roadways. Localized repairs to both curbs and sidewalks, along with accessibility improvements and updates are also part of the program. In 2021, upcoming rehabilitation work includes Hunt Club Road, Quincy Avenue, Bank Street, Carling Avenue, Thomas A Dolan Parkway, and Bankfield Road.
Montreal Road Revitalization $64 million investment over multiple yearsConstruction on Montreal Road.
This year, significant work will continue on the revitalization of Montreal Road to establish a major gateway for the community of Vanier. In 2021, crews will bury hydro lines, construct new road, cycle tracks, curbs, sidewalks, watermain, and storm and sanitary sewers. The project also includes the installation of utilities, streetlights, signalized intersections, and resurfacing of the Vanier Parkway between Montreal Road and McArthur Avenue.
The Vanier and Montreal Road Public Art Plan, as well as three public areas and improved transit accommodations (including bus shelter and benches) is also planned for 2021. Additionally, significant landscaping and streetscaping improvements with trees, shrubs, paver stones and sidewalk will help modernize and beautify the space.
Work started in 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2022.
Strandherd Drive Widening $112 million investment over multiple years
Construction on Strandherd Drive
Work continues to progress well on the Strandherd Drive widening project with the installation of a four-lane cross section from Maravista Drive to Jockvale Road in Barrhaven. The project is approximately 3.3 kilometres in length and will provide capacity for existing and future traffic volumes during peak periods and facilitate the movement of cyclists and pedestrians through the corridor. The project includes improvements and extensions to watermain and sewers, construction of two temporary road detours, widening Strandherd Drive to four lanes, the addition of cycle tracks in both directions, new sidewalk and a grade separation with the VIA rail tracks.
To support new development south of Standherd Drive, the project also includes the expansion and retrofit of the Kennedy-Burnett Stormwater Management Facility to improve water quality. A multi-use pathway will be constructed throughout the stormwater pond limits and will include a new pedestrian bridge.
In 2021, work will continue on the installation of new underground infrastructure including watermain, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and the roadway. Construction of the bridge over the railway will also continue. Construction of surface features will start this year, including concrete sidewalks, cycle tracks and landscaping.
Construction started in 2020 and work is expected to be completed in 2023.
Campeau Drive $32 million investment over multiple years
In accordance with the City of Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan, the City is scheduled to complete the Campeau Drive extension in Kanata North this year. Designed to connect Campeau Drive from Country Glen Way to Didsbury Road, the work will include construction of a four-lane divided urban arterial road including segregated cycle lanes, sidewalks, a multi-lane roundabout at Winterset Road, two signalized intersections (Kanata Commons, Didsbury Road), and a new bridge over the Carp River.
Work planned in 2021 also includes utility installation along the project corridor, installation of curbs, sidewalks and asphalt placement on Campeau Drive and on pathways and cycling facilities. Work will continue the Carp River Bridge including installation of railings and landscaping work.
The project started in late 2019 and is expected to be completed at the end of this year.
Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, Hawthorne Avenue et al. $33 million investment over multiple years
The Greenfield Avenue, Main Street, Hawthorne et al. reconstruction project will replace aging combined sewers with separate storm and sanitary sewers, replace sections of older watermains, and reconstruct the roadways, including the implementation of complete street features.
On May 10, 2021, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) COVID-19 Resilience Stream, funding was approved and announced in the amount of $226,000 for the new intersection Colonel By Drive, Echo Drive at Main Street. This will allow the City to deliver a new and improved signalized intersection.
Work beginning in summer 2021 includes:
- Intersection improvements at Colonel By Drive and Main Street
- Storm sewer installation with trench reinstatement at Colonel By Drive – Hawthorne Avenue to north of Highway 417
- Watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer installation with trench reinstatement from Main Street – Greenfield Avenue to Echo Drive
- Watermain, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer installation with full road reinstatement Echo Drive – Main Street to Concord Street North
- Multi-use pathway at Lees Avenue
- Relocation of gas main on Hawthorne Avenue from Main Street to Colonel By Drive
More extensive underground servicing and road construction work will follow, expected in 2022, and is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Buildings and Recreational Facilities
Ottawa City Hall $10 million investment over multiple years
The Ottawa City Hall investments project is a multi-year project that started in 2018 aimed at enhancing aspects of the building through the City’s lifecycle program and adding accessibility upgrades. In 2021, work includes accessibility upgrades to the changerooms and washrooms at the Active Living Club, ongoing roof replacement work, accessibility enhancements to the parking garage and mechanical work in the administration building.
Laroche Park $7.5 million investment
Construction will kick off in early June for the Laroche Park redevelopment project. This multi-year project which is expected to be completed in 2023 includes environmental remediation, removal of existing amenities such as the asphalt court, ball diamond and fencing, and will include the construction of a new community building, basketball court, shade shelter, junior playground and ultimate field. New landscape features will also be added including park furnishings, field lighting, fencing and new trees.
SOURCE City of Ottawa
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