Driver charged with stunt, impaired driving in construction zone on Hwy. 417

OPP say two drivers were stopped for stunt driving on Highway 417 near Maitland Avenue, where the speed limit is lower because of construction. (OPP/X)

An Ottawa driver is facing several charges after being pulled over in a construction zone on Highway 417 overnight.

Ontario Provincial Police say the driver was going 143 km/h on the highway near Maitland Avenue at around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, where the speed limit has been reduced to 80 km/h due to construction.

“Police suspected the driver to be under the influence of alcohol, and a roadside breath test was administered,” the OPP said in a news release. “As a result, the driver was brought back to Ottawa Detachment for a breath test. The driver registered more than twice the legal limit. “

The driver, a 29-year-old Ottawa man, is charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, and stunt driving.

His licence was suspended for 90 days due to the impaired driving charge and another 30 days for stunt driving. The stunt driving charge also includes a 14-day vehicle impound.

Police said a second driver was stopped going 131 km/h in the same area Thursday morning and was also charged with stunt driving.

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