Traffic impacts on Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street intersection resume until fall

Construction at the Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street intersection will restart in late March as part of the Laurier Avenue cycling modifications project. Traffic impacts in this area can be expected until fall 2026.This project started in the fall of 2025 after funding was provided through the Council approved annual Road Safety Action Plan and implementation plans to enhance cycling and pedestrian safety. The intersection was identified as a High-Volume Cycling Safety Location with heavy cycling and traffic interactions. 

During the construction, traffic impacts will include:

• 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.
• The westbound cycling lanes will be closed during this phase of construction. Cyclists will be required to dismount and use the pedestrian facilities. An optional alternate route for cyclists is available on ottawa.ca
• 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. This work will convert 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 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. 

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

• 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.