Construction on new Laurier Avenue cycling infrastructure begins Nov. 4

Those travelling through Centretown can expect delays on Laurier Avenue starting Tuesday.

Nov. 4 marks the beginning of construction of the Laurier Avenue cycling modifications that will continue until summer 2026.

The project site runs along Laurier Avenue from Queen Elizabeth Drive to just west of Elgin Street.

The objective of the project is to segregate the westbound cycling facilities from on-road to within a raised boulevard on the north side of Laurier Avenue. The project will also include a protected crossing at the Laurier-Elgin intersection.

Protected intersections improve visibility and safety by providing dedicated space and crossings for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles at a signal-controlled intersection.

“These changes will improve safety for vulnerable road users, which includes people on bicycles and pedestrians,” the City of Ottawa says on the project webpage.

The location was identified as a High-Volume Cycling Safety Location in 2020, along with 28 others across the city. Each of these locations was earmarked for a review of how to improve the safety of the existing cycling facilities.

Design and construction was initiated in 2021 with over $7 million in funding provided through the Council approved annual Road Safety Action Plan.

During construction, there will be no left turns at Elgin Street for westbound motorists on Laurier Avenue. Vehicles can detour to use O’Connor Street to Somerset Street West to access Elgin Street. There will also be lane reductions on Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street, which can be expected to cause delays, especially during peak hours.

Cyclists will be able to access existing cycling lanes during construction. At times, they may be required to dismount and use pedestrian crossings.

Access to the Ottawa Courthouse and Ottawa City Hall will remain open.