Section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway over Patterson Creek Bridge reopens to cars early

Queen Elizabeth Driveway was closed between Fifth Avenue and Pretoria Avenue because of work over the Patterson Creek Bridge. (Ottawa Traffic Cameras)

The National Capital Commission (NCC) says a section of Queen Elizabeth Driveway that has been closed all summer for construction has reopened to cars ahead of schedule.

The road was closed to vehicles between Pretoria and Fifth avenues starting in mid-July for work on the 113-year-old Patterson Creek Bridge. The work was scheduled to last until Oct. 31, but the NCC said Wednesday the road was able to reopen to vehicles about six weeks early.

Work on the bridge is still underway, the NCC says, with completion not slated until the spring.

Once complete, the project will repair concrete and railing and widen the multi-use pathway for better accessibility.

“The repairs are essential for the long-term structural stability of the bridge. To protect this heritage bridge, each stone will be catalogued and returned to its original position,” the NCC says on its website.

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.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App