Bank Street construction ramping up this winter; traffic impacts expected

After starting the Bank Street renewal project this past summer, the City of Ottawa is preparing motorists for more impacts to commutes and possible congestion this winter.

The city said in an update that the construction will continue from Riverside Drive to Ledbury Avenue with it extending into winter 2025. This past June, Phase 1 began — which set out to replace underground sewers and watermains, as well a full road reconstruction, the press release notes.

“The vision for the Bank Street renewal is to construct a functioning and safe arterial main street with a well-balanced multi-modal transportation network which will cater to vehicles, transit, cyclists and pedestrians,” the municipality said.

During the first year of construction, work focused on the stretch between Riverside Drive (westbound) and the Bélanger Avenue/Lamira Street intersection. Project limits are between Riverside Drive (North) to Ledbury Avenue — approximately 2.8 kilometres.

The project is located in Ward 16 (River), Ward 17 (Capital) and Ward 18 (Alta Vista).

While access to local businesses will continue, the city is encouraging residents and visitors to continue supporting Bank Street and area businesses during construction.

Traffic Impacts

The four lanes north of the Transitway are set to reopen in mid-December, wrote the City of Ottawa.

During the winter months, Bank Street will continue to be reduced to one lane in each direction between the Transitway at Billings Bridge, south to the Heron Road intersection. This will extend further south to Randall Avenue in January.

According to the municipality, an additional section of Bank Street between Randall and Heron will be reduced to one lane in each direction later this winter.

For traffic impacts, visit the interactive traffic map and incident report webpage.

The Bank Street Renewal projects phases and schedule are as follows:

• Phase 1A (Bank Street Renewal Advanced Miscellaneous Works): Construction was completed in spring 2024
• Phase 1: Construction began in June 2024. Limits: Bank Street, from Riverside Drive westbound to Collins Avenue. Completion anticipated in 2027.
• Phase 2: Construction to begin following completion of Phase 1. Limits: Bank Street, from Collins Avenue to Ledbury Avenue.

Project Update

By early 2025, construction will continue moving south from Ohio Street to Randall Avenue, they wrote.

Work in Phase 1 includes the installation, rehabilitation, and replacement of various parts of the underground infrastructure — such as watermains, sanitary and storm sewers.

Full reconstruction of the road and sidewalks will take place, as well as the addition of a cycle track, new street lighting, traffic signals and streetscape improvements, added Ottawa. This multi-year project will be completed in phases, with the full completion of Phase 1 (Riverside Drive to Collins Avenue) planned for 2027.

According to the City of Ottawa, work completed so far includes:

• The installation of the new watermain between the Transitway and Ohio Street
• The installation of the new storm sewer between Sawmill Creek and Ohio Street
• The installation of the new storm and sanitary sewer connections from Bank Street to Kilborn Place and Bank Street to Ohio Street
• Road and sidewalk construction between Riverside Drive (eastbound) and the Transitway is complete for 2024 and will resume in spring 2025
• Two of three large diameter watermain repairs are complete

Work scheduled in January 2025 includes the installation of a new storm sewer between the Lamira Street and Randall Avenue and the rehabilitation of the Sawmill Creek culvert.

Additionally, construction crews will replace the retaining wall on the east side of Bank Street (south of Kilborn Place) over the winter months.