For the past few weeks, Ottawa drivers have experienced very heavy traffic in both directions on the Queensway due to lane changes and reductions in place for installation of a new highway sign. Here’s some information provided by City of Ottawa staff about the work.
Q: What is the signage being installed?
A: To accommodate the construction of the Stage 2 LRT guideway tunnel, the original overhead sign was removed. The westbound sign will direct drivers to Highways 416 and 417 and provide guidance for local exits to Greenbank Road and Pinecrest Road.
Original sign:
New sign:
Q: What is the actual construction work being done?
A: The current phase of work involves construction of the sign support foundations, including excavation, drilling, installations of reinforcements, concrete works, reinstatement of the median barrier, asphalt works at the median, underground electrical conduit installation for median lighting continuity and associated traffic staging. Additional activities related to sign structure erection and commissioning will occur in future phases and will take place during an overnight closure to minimize additional disruptions.
Q: Were there other alternatives analyzed that would have had less impact?
A: Options were analyzed and developed in coordination with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) regarding design and construction options. The design and construction plan that is being implemented is the design that was accepted by the MTO.
Q: Are there regulatory (mandatory) requirements for this sign or is it a “nice-to-have”?
A: The sign requirements are in accordance with the MTO’s regulations and standards. As indicated above the original overhead sign was removed to accommodate the Stage 2 tunnel works.
Q: The construction began in early May – why haven’t we seen very much work at the site?
A: During the first two weeks, work activities included temporary lighting continuity modifications within the median, asphalt and median barrier removals, utility and drainage investigations, and assessment of potential conflicts between the proposed sign footing and the existing storm sewer system. These activities were necessary prior to commencing major foundation works.
Q: Have any measurements been done to quantify the amount of traffic congestion and other issues that the lane closures have caused?
A: Traffic operations and congestion impacts continue to be monitored throughout construction. As part of mitigation efforts, the bus-only ramp from Woodroffe to westbound Highway 417 has been temporarily opened to general traffic to help reduce congestion and improve westbound traffic flow. Traffic counts are taken throughout construction so the impact of mitigation measures can be reviewed analytically.
Q: Why will this take until July to complete?
A: The median sign foundation consists of a deep foundation system requiring caisson installation. The work involves multiple sequential operations, including excavation, drilling, reinforcement placement, concrete installation, curing periods, and restoration activities, all within a constrained highway environment.
These works involve invasive construction activities within the highway median and require a safe and stable work zone for both workers and the traveling public. Due to the nature of the operations, temporary short-duration closures were not feasible to safely complete the required work activities.
Work is now expected to be wrapped up by July 6, three weeks ahead of the original schedule.
We understand the impacts this congestion has on residents. We will continue to look for ways to improve the flow of traffic and accelerate the schedule for this work, where possible. We appreciate your patience during this mandatory work.