Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street intersection to have traffic impacts until fall 2026

Starting Tuesday, November 4, construction and traffic impacts will begin at the intersection of Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street. The work is part of the Laurier Avenue cycling modifications project and will continue until next summer. This location was identified as a High-Volume Cycling Safety Location with heavy cycling and traffic interactions. Design and construction was initiated in 2021 with funding provided through the Council approved annual Road Safety Action Plan implementation plans to enhance cycling and pedestrian safety. Traffic will be affected by the construction, including:

• No left turns at Elgin Street for westbound motorists on Laurier Avenue. A signed detour will direct westbound traffic to use O’Connor Street to Somerset Street West to access Elgin Street.
• Lane reductions on Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street.
• Delays resulting from the construction are anticipated, especially during peak hours. Allowing extra time for travel around the area is recommended.
• Access to the existing cycling lanes will remain during construction. Occasionally, cyclists may be required to dismount and use the pedestrian crossings.
• Access to the Ottawa Courthouse and Ottawa City Hall will remain open. Access to the parking lot for both buildings from Elgin Street is recommended to avoid delays on Laurier Avenue.

When complete, the Laurier Avenue cycling modifications project will improve cycling and pedestrian safety along Laurier Avenue by converting the existing westbound on-street cycling facilities to a raised cycle track on the north side of Laurier Avenue, from Queen Elizabeth Driveway to just west of Elgin Street. The project will also include realigned on- and off-ramps for the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and create a protected intersection at Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street. Protected intersections are designed to make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, when crossing major intersections.

OC Transpo 

OC Transpo bus service on Elgin Street may be impacted by traffic delays due to lane reductions. For information on transit service impacts, visit OC Transpo’s website. 

Pedestrians and cyclists 

Temporary sidewalk closures will be in place with appropriate signage on site, directing pedestrians as needed. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project. 

When the cycling lanes are not available due to construction, cyclists will be able to dismount and use the pedestrian route.  

Stay informed

• Visit the Laurier Avenue cycling modifications project webpage for additional details
• Sign up for the project newsletter to receive regular project updates 
• Contact the project team at lauriercycling@ottawa.ca.

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