Ottawa opens bus-only on-ramp to westbound Hwy. 417 to all traffic in bid to ease congestion

Ottawa commuters say lane closures on Highway 417 are causing long delays. As CTV’s Kimberley Johnson reports, the city is looking to alleviate the congestion.

Drivers can now use the bus-only on-ramp from Woodroffe Avenue to the westbound Highway 417, as the City of Ottawa and Ministry of Transportation look to ease traffic congestion in the west end.

Commuters and councillors have been raising concerns about delays on Highway 417 between Woodroffe Avenue and Pinecrest Road this spring due to construction.

One lane in each direction is closed on Highway 417 around Pinecrest to install signage infrastructure as part of the Stage 2 of the O-Train western extension.

• ‘It’s absolutely ridiculous’: Commuters frustrated with Highway 417 lane closures and traffic

Over the weekend, the city announced the bus only westbound on-ramp from Woodroffe Avenue to Hwy. 417 has been modified to provide motorists with a dedicated highway access lane to “help improve traffic flow” on the on-ramp and provide “additional capacity for highway traffic.”

Coun. Laine Johnson called the opening of the Woodroffe bus-only on-ramp the “first solution.”

“This should reduce the pinch point that we’re seeing around Pinecrest. Obviously, not eliminate it, but it’s a great first step,” Johnson said.

“It’s not the only solution, but it is going to provide some immediate relief.”

On Friday, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said on social media that he’s directed city staff to work with the Ministry of Transportation to accelerate the work and restore all lanes to traffic.

“The congestion on Highway 417 resulting from lane closures in the west end is unacceptable and extremely disruptive to drivers and also to residents in neighbouring areas,” Sutcliffe said.

“This must be resolved as quickly as possible.”

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