Hwy. 417 work near Pinecrest to finish June 22: memo

Construction on Highway 417 is causing slow downs. One lane of the highway is closed in each direction near Pinecrest. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa says construction on Highway 417 between Woodroffe Avenue and Pinecrest Road is set to conclude later this month, five weeks ahead of the initial projected completion date.

One lane in each direction has been closed on the highway near Pinecrest to install signage for Stage 2 of the O-Train western extension, causing major headaches for commuters.

On Saturday, in a memo addressed to city council, Richard Holder, the director of the rail construction program with the Transit Services Department, said the work is expected to finish on Monday, June 22.

The project was initially slated to conclude on July 28, but in late May, following concerns from commuters and councillors, the city extended contractors’ hours to expedite the construction process.

“I know how frustrating it’s been for drivers in the west end due to lane closures and construction,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe wrote in a post on social media.

“I asked for the project to be significantly accelerated so we could reduce disruption and get relief for commuters as quickly as possible. I’m pleased to see staff have followed through on my request.”

Holder says the highway will be reduced to single lane traffic overnight on two dates to help bring the project to completion.

Between 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 and 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 20, the following closures will be in effect:

• One lane open on westbound Highway 417 between Woodroffe Avenue and Pinecrest Road
• Eastbound Highway 417 lanes are not affected
• Closure of the westbound Highway 417 on-ramp from Woodroffe Avenue (beginning at 11 p.m.)
• Closure of the westbound Highway 417 on-ramp from northbound Pinecrest Road (beginning at 11 p.m.)
• Closure of the westbound Highway 417 off-ramp at Pinecrest Road (beginning at 11 p.m.)

Between 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 21 and 9pm to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 22, the following closures will be in effect:

• One lane open on eastbound Highway 417 between Richmond Road and Pinecrest/Greenbank Road
• Westbound Highway 417 lanes are not affected
• Closure of the eastbound Highway 417 on-ramp from northbound Richmond Road (beginning at 11 p.m.)
• Closure of the eastbound Highway 417 on-ramp from southbound Richmond Road (beginning at 11 p.m.)
• Closure of the eastbound Highway 417 on-ramp from southbound Pinecrest Road (beginning at 11 p.m.)
• Closure of the eastbound Highway 417 off-ramp at Pinecrest Road (beginning at 11pm)

According to Holder, the work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen events.

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