NCC says ‘miscommunication’ behind Queen Elizabeth Driveway remaining closed for Redblacks traffic

Queen Elizabeth Driveway remained closed to vehicles at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. The NCC said “there was miscommunication” that kept the road closed ahead of the Ottawa Redblacks Game at TD Place. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

The National Capital Commission says a “miscommunication” resulted in Queen Elizabeth Driveway not being open to vehicles heading to the Ottawa Redblacks game Sunday evening.

Queen Elizabeth Driveway is closed to vehicles between Somerset Street and Fifth Avenue for NCC Weekend Bikedays on Sundays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The road is usually opened to accommodate traffic on Redblacks game days.

The Ottawa Redblacks hosted the Toronto Argos at 7 p.m. at TD Place.

At 5:15 p.m., the Redblacks said on social media it was “aware that the NCC has not opened Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Fifth Avenue and Pretoria Bridge.”

“We’re actively working with them to resolve the issue. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to use the Game Day shuttle, bike valet, or e-scooters to get to TD Place.”

In a post at 6:15 p.m., the NCC provided an update on the closure of Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

“There was a miscommunication regarding today’s reopening of QED between Fifth Ave. and Pretoria. We’re reopening that stretch to private vehicles now,” the NCC said on X.

“Thank you for your patience as we’re working with partners to sort it out.”

Queen Elizabeth Driveway is one of two main roads that travel from downtown Ottawa to TD Place. The Redblacks are not running a shuttle bus from Ottawa City Hall to TD Place on game days this season due to the upcoming closure of Queen Elizabeth Driveway for construction.

Riverside South-Findlay Creek Coun. Steve Desroches urged Redblacks fans and “affected neighbours” to “send their feedback to the unelected representatives” at the NCC.