The road to renewal: Bank Street under construction

The Bank Street renewal project is ongoing from Riverside Drive westbound to Ledbury Avenue.

Feature story 

If you’ve recently visited Bank Street from Billings Bridge all the way past Heron Road, you’ve likely noticed the reconstruction that is happening in stages all along the road. 

This work is necessary due to the aging infrastructure. Yes, there is dust, noise, and traffic disruptions while construction is ongoing, but without a little pain we wouldn’t have the incredible gains that we’re going to see along this stretch of Bank Street, like making it more accessible and an even more enjoyable place to walk or visit.  

The vision for the Bank Street renewal project is to construct a functioning and safe complete arterial street with a well-balanced multi-modal transportation network, catering to vehicles, transit, cyclists and pedestrians. 

The renewal includes replacement of the sanitary and storm sewers as well as watermains, plus reconstruction of the road and sidewalks. The project will also feature updated traffic signals, streetscaping, and a cycle track. 

To do all of this, utility poles need to be relocated. Stretches of road need to be excavated for watermain work. Sidewalks need to be poured and levelled, and cycle tracks need to be created. 

It’s a huge undertaking with many moving parts that can change day to day, depending on resources and weather. 

A site tour 

Join our City of Ottawa project manager, Roxanne Tubb, for a look at the work happening on Bank Street towards the end of the 2025 fall season. 

Remote video URL Business as usual on Bank 

There are numerous specialty shops, restaurants and businesses that are open and fully accessible during construction on Bank Street. 

Throughout the work, every effort is made to be sure that entrances are clearly marked, and access is safely maintained. Consider supporting local businesses if you are travelling through this area! 

Progress to date 

While the video above shows recent and ongoing work, Bank Street construction has been happening for a year and a half. 

Work in 2024 and 2025 included: 

• Most of the watermain, sanitary and storm sewer work on the east side 

• Sawmill Creek culvert rehabilitation and landscaping 

• Retaining wall on east side near Kilborn place 

• Sidewalks, cycle tracks and intersections 

To come in 2026: 

• Continuation of watermain, sanitary and storm sewer work on the west side 

• Retaining wall on west side 

• Continuation of sidewalks, cycle tracks and intersection work 

Winter preparation and work 

The crew is preparing Bank Street for winter work by ensuring temporary sidewalks can be plowed, and painting lines to help traffic see where to go when lane shifts are required.  

Sanitary and storm sewer work will continue through the winter, as will utility relocations. 

This also includes major work at the Heron and Bank intersection. With underground infrastructure complete in this specific area, utility relocation work will continue at Heron north of the intersection through the winter. 

Stay tuned 

To stay informed about the project, visit the Bank Street Renewal page on the City of Ottawa website. You can also sign up for the project newsletter to receive regular project updates.