Committee approves new bike and bus lanes on Bank Street

A City of Ottawa committee has given thumbs up for new bike and bus lanes on Bank Street.

The Transportation Committee approved a recommendation on Thursday, Aug. 23  to add a bike lane in each direction on Bank Street between Riverside Drive westbound and Chesley Street, including on Billings Bridge.

That section of Bank Street would be reduced from two to one through lane for vehicles in each direction to accommodate the new cycling facilities. The plan would also add a southbound right-turn-only lane approaching Riverside Drive westbound and a northbound through/right-turn lane approaching Riverdale Avenue.

Traffic signals for southbound right-turning vehicles would operate independently of bike signals for southbound cyclists, ensuring that right-turning vehicles could only proceed on a green arrow. Pedestrian and cycling safety improvements are also proposed at the intersection of Bank Street and Riverdale Avenue.

The plan includes a new reserved northbound bus lane on Bank Street between Chesley Street and Aylmer Avenue, which would be in effect during the weekday afternoon peak period, between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Cyclists would be permitted to use the bus lane.

Approximately 14 parking spaces will be permanently removed on Bank Street, south of Cameron Avenue, with another 41 spaces on he east side of Bank Street restricted during the afternoon peak period.

The City said it estimates the project could cost roughly $1.5 million.

Council will have the final say on the project on Wednesday, Sept. 13.