UPDATE: Downtown core closed to traffic due to gridlock

Streets in the downtown Ottawa core were closed due to gridlock Saturday afternoon as protesters converged on Parliament Hill for the so-called 'freedom rally' truck convoy.

The City of Ottawa issued an update around 2:30 p.m. to say there was no more room for additional vehicles.

Only first responders could have access to the area.

People were being asked to avoid the area entirely.

Streets in the downtown core are closed due to gridlock. There is no more room for vehicles, other than first responders. Please avoid the area. #OttTraffic #Ottawa

— Ottawa_Traffic (@Ottawa_Traffic) January 29, 2022

Traffic and road closures were expected throughout the weekend in Ottawa’s downtown core.

Road closures:

• Sir John A Macdonald is closed from Carling Avenue to Booth Street.
• Mackenzie King Bridge (westbound) closed between Waller Street and Elgin Street.
• Lane reduction: Greenbank Road (southbound) at Highway 417.
• Kent Street (northbound) is closed between Queen Street and Wellington Street.
• The Chaudières, Alexandra, and Portage bridges are closed to vehicles but remain open to pedestrians.
• Lane reduction: Laurier (eastbound) was reduced to one lane between Elgin Street and Nicholas.
• The Vanier parkway (northbound) was closed at Coventry.
• A section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway from Laurier Avenue West to the Pretoria Bridge will be closed to all traffic throughout the weekend. 

Demonstration Update: Police resources are in place and will remain until crowds are dispersed. There are no incidents to report. 1/2 #ottawa #ottnews

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 29, 2022

Part of the truck convoy was asked to make its way to Sir John A Macdonald parkway via the Pinecrest exit off Highway 417, followed by Richmond Road and Carling Avenue. 

Other trucks are being directed through Wellington Street via Kent Street.

Ottawa police have identified several streets that are likely to host demonstrators on the weekend:

• Wellington Street
• Queen Street
• Metcalfe Street
• O’Connor Street
• Lyon Street
• Kent Street
• Sir John A Macdonald Parkway
• Queen Elizabeth Driveway
• Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street around Confederation Park

Ottawa police have also asked people not to park along 400 series highways, on/off ramps, or overpasses.

Parking along 400 series hwys and on/off ramps is prohibited and dangerous. Pedestrians are not permitted on highways at any time. Do not park on overpasses. If standing on an overpass, exercise caution and allow traffic to pass safely. #ONHwys #otttraffic #ottnews #ottawa

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) January 29, 2022

The City’s online traffic map will have live updates of traffic impacts. Select “incidents” to see roads currently being affected by the demonstrations. 

Residents are also encouraged to monitor @Ottawa_Traffic and @ottawacity on Twitter for closures.

More to come.