6 construction projects that could slow down your commute in Ottawa

A construction sign on Bank Street in Ottawa. May 15, 2026. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa motorists are being warned to expect delays on several roads this week as construction season ramps up.

Starting today, there will be lane closures on Riverside Drive in the area of Bank Street as part of the Bank Street Renewal Project. There are also lane reductions on Highway 417 in Ottawa’s west end.

The City of Ottawa has planned more than $691 million worth of projects during the 2026 construction season.

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at construction projects you should be aware of as you commute around Ottawa.

Bank Street and Riverside Drive

The next phase of the Bank Street Renewal Project begins on Tuesday, with lane closures on Riverside Drive at Bank Street.

The eastbound lanes of Riverside Drive are closed between Data Centre Road and Neil Way, near Pleasant Park Drive.

The city says eastbound traffic will be redirected via a temporary road to use Riverside Drive westbound, with one lane of traffic open in each direction. Left turns are also prohibited in all directions at the intersection of Bank Street and Riverside Drive.

The city recommends the following alternate routes for motorists who normally travel on Riverside Drive and Bank Street.

• If you normally go south on Riverside Drive and turn left to go south on Bank Street, consider Smyth Road to Alta Vista Drive to Bank Street.
• If you normally go north on Riverside Drive and turn left on Bank Street to go north, consider taking Heron Road to Bronson Avenue.
• If you normally go south on Bank Street and turn left on Riverside Drive to go east, consider taking Main Street and Smyth Road.
• If you normally go north on Bank Street and turn left on Riverside Drive, consider Heron Road to Bronson Avenue.

Construction also continues on Bank Street between Billings Bridge and Heron Road as part of the work, with lane reductions along Bank Street.

Highway 417 between Woodroffe and Pinecrest

Commuters on Highway 417 in Ottawa’s west end will be facing delays over the next two months, as a single lane of traffic is closed in each direction as part of light-rail construction.

The City of Ottawa says work is underway in the eastbound and westbound lanes of Hwy. 417 between Pinecrest Road and Woodroffe Avenue. The work is supporting the installation of overhead signage.

“Until July 28, a lane shift is in place, impacting a single lane in both the eastbound and westbound directions,” the city told CTV News Ottawa.

“Three lanes continue to be maintained for traffic in both directions. The work involves concrete excavation required to install the signage infrastructure.”

There are currently three lanes of traffic open in each direction.

Motorists are also reminded that the eastbound onramp from Pinecrest to Queensway is closed until July 28 for construction work.

St. Joseph Boulevard

Motorists should expect delays on St. Joseph Boulevard this week due to road resurfacing.

The city says St. Joseph will have lane reductions in both directions between Jeanne d’Arc Boulevard and Orléans Boulevard between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The work will run between Tuesday and Friday this week.

Laurier Avenue West at Elgin Street

Construction work is slowing down traffic on Laurier Avenue West at Elgin Street.

The $7.2 million project to make changes to the bike lane has resulted in lane reductions on both Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street. There is no left turns permitted from Laurier Avenue to Elgin Street.

Work will see a section of the westbound bike lane converted to a raised cycle track that is segregated from the road.

The construction will continue until the end of August.

Highway 417/Highway 174

The Ministry of Transportation says there will be ramp closures and lane reductions on Hwy. 417 between Carling Avenue and Rochester Street.

“Construction began in April 2026 to advance remaining work on the Highway 417 mid‑town bridges project. Work is taking place on Highway 417 in both directions between the O‑Train and Kent Street, primarily at night and on weekends, using lane closures,” the MTO told CTV News Ottawa.

“In the coming weeks, eastbound lanes on Highway 417 between Carling Avenue and Rochester Street will be reduced, with nightly ramp closures expected, to support construction of a new noise barrier on the south side of the highway.”

There will also be lane reductions on Highway 174 the week of May 19 as part of work on Stage 2 of the LRT system.

• Highway 174 eastbound at Blair Road will be reduced to one lane on Tuesday, May 19 at 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.
• Highway 174 westbound at Blair Road will be fully closed nightly on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
• Highway 174 eastbound off-ramp onto the Blair Road will be closed on Tuesday, May 19 at 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.
• Highway 174 westbound on-ramp from northbound Blair Road will be closed nightly on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
• Highway 174 eastbound at Trim Road will be reduced to one lane daily from Wednesday, May 20 to Friday, May 22 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Highway 174 westbound at Blair Road will be reduced to one lane nightly on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.
• Highway 174 eastbound on-ramp from Place d’Orléans Drive will be closed from Thursday, May 21 at 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5.
• Highway 174 westbound on-ramp from southbound Blair Road will be closed nightly on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22 between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

Bank Street south of Leitrim Road

Motorists are reminded of ongoing construction to widen Bank Street, between Leitrim Road and Blais Road.

The $50 million project is widening two kilometres of the road from two lanes to four lanes and installing sidewalks and cycle tracks.

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