NCC wants interprovincial bridge to cross Kettle Island
Posted May 14, 2013 05:27:44 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — The National Capital Commission recommends that a new interprovincial bridge be built over Kettle Island.
The proposed bridge, which would cost approximately $1.16 billion dollars, would link the Aviation Parkway to Montée Paiement.
The new bridge is designed to ease congestion on King Edward Avenue, which sees heavy traffic from transport vehicles crossing the MacDonald Cartier bridge, but critics say it is only gong to re-create those problems in the east end.
Ottawa Orléans MPP Phil McNeely says Highways 417 and 174 are already overloaded during rush hour and says a bridge will only add to the commuter chaos.
“From a technical, taxpayer, and commuter point of view, any new bridge is not a good deal for my community,” said McNeely, in a written statement released Tuesday.
East-end residents had mixed reaction to the proposed bridge.
“When I travelled from end of town to the other, it was hell in the mornings and I guarantee you it’s going to help,” said east-end resident, Jess.
But other drivers like Paul disagree.
“They’re just going to move the same junk over to a different place,” says Paul, who favours a bridge location further east.
There are two other options closer to Orléans – one at Lower Duck Island and another at McLaurin Bay.
While the NCC has tipped its hand on where it thinks a bridge should be built, the Commission points out that there’s no actual plan to build one, yet.
Public consultations on a new interprovincial crossing will be held May 27 in Ottawa and on May 30 in Gatineau.
