Section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway to close to vehicles this summer for construction

Section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway to close this summer

A section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway will be closed this summer for rehabilitation work on the 113-year-old Patterson Creek Bridge, forcing the Ottawa Redblacks to cancel shuttle bus service from City Hall to TD Place.

The National Capital Commission says a “short portion” of the road along the Rideau Canal will be closed, but dates have yet to be finalized.

“The NCC informed OSEG several weeks ago of the upcoming rehabilitation project on the 113-year-old Patterson Creek Bridge and its impact, to give them sufficient time to make alternate arrangements using nearby municipal roadways,” the NCC said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa.

“This important rehabilitation work will involve repairing the concrete and railings and widening the multi-use pathway to enhance accessibility for all users. The bridge reconstruction will require a closure on a short portion of QED to be closed to vehicular traffic. Timelines are still being finalized, and we will share more detailed information, including specific dates and traffic management plans, as soon as they are confirmed.”

According to the federal government, the repairs to the Patterson Creek Bridge include various types of concrete repairs on soffit and abutments, the installation of a concrete distribution slab to support widening the bridge, waterproofing and asphalt work, improving surface drainage, and the enhancement and widening of the multi-use pathway and sidewalk.

The City of Ottawa told CTV News Ottawa Friday afternoon a section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway is expected to be closed from mid-spring to mid-fall, and the city is coordinating with the NCC to finalize any required detours.

Redblacks fans are being warned there will be no shuttle bus from Ottawa City Hall to TD Place this season due to anticipated closures on part of Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

In a note to fans, the Redblacks say there will be no more “Park and Shuttle” service from Ottawa City Hall to TD Place on game days. Fans have been able to park at City Hall and then use a shuttle bus to get to games at TD Place.

“The City Hall Park & Shuttle service will no longer be available for Redblacks gamedays due to anticipated Queen Elizabeth Driveway closures,” the Redblacks said.

Fans can park for free at Canada Post or park at Carleton University lots (P5, P7, P18) for $6 and there will be a shuttle bus to games.

Your game day Redblacks ticket includes a free ride on OC Transpo starting three hours before and 90 minutes after the game.

The City of Ottawa says it worked with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) on alternate options for fan parking.

“We assisted Lansdowne Park/OSEG in changing shuttle routes and proposing different possible offsite lot pick up locations,” Heidi Cousineau, manager of Traffic, Safety and Mobility with Ottawa’s Public Works department, told CTV News Ottawa.

“The end decision lied with OSEG in determining how best to redivert those who used to park at City Hall. As such they have put forth three off-site locations: St-Laurent, Carleton and Canada Post.”