Building a better Bank Street: a look at winter construction

It’s no secret that winter unleashed everything in its arsenal this year - from blustery, heavy snowfalls to bone-chilling cold temperatures and even freezing rain. While not unexpected, these conditions pose formidable challenges for construction crews working hard to maintain steady progress on City projects.

One example is the Bank Street Renewal project.  This major undertaking, currently  in Phase 1, involves the necessary work to replace aging infrastructure, such as sewers and watermains, along a long stretch of road. 

This multi-year project includes updated sidewalks, protected intersections and separate cycle tracks. While continuing work through the winter is very challenging, it ultimately helps keep major projects on schedule.

Frozen ground slows excavation

Winter work on Bank Street included excavation and replacement of sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure, retaining wall construction and utility relocations. Watermain work is generally planned for in warmer months due to cold conditions.

When soil freezes, it becomes more difficult to break through. This makes digging trenches slower and more labour-intensive. 

Weather effects on materials, equipment, and labour

Asphalt and concrete don’t cure properly at low temperatures, so road and sidewalk work are also typically put on hold until the spring thaw.  Crews will pave temporarily before snow and throughout the winter so people can still use the area.

Equipment can be harder to operate and maintain in extreme cold. Tasks like compacting soil are also less effective when the ground is frozen or saturated by melting snow.

When winter issues come up, construction crews will re-allocate time and resources on the fly to repaint faded lines, fill potholes, and clear snow.

Image Winter work on Bank Street

Over the winter, crews installed new storm and sanitary sewers from Rockingham Avenue to Cecil Avenue, and from Heron Road to Collins Avenue.

Utility relocation work was ongoing throughout the project limits, including at the Bank Street and Heron Road intersection. This will make the area ready to continue with the finishing touches on the intersection, including the sidewalk, cycle track and traffic signals in 2026.

The retaining wall on the west side of Bank Street near Ohio Street was also built over the winter.

Image More to come

Once the ground begins to thaw, crews can more accurately estimate when to resume work on watermain replacement, road work, and streetscaping. The Bank Street Renewal project will continue through 2026, with Phase 1 work ongoing, and Phase 2 design underway.

Public information session – Open House

Join us to learn more about the progress to date and what is coming up for the Bank Street Renewal project at an upcoming information session:

Wednesday, April 15, 20266:30 to 8:30 pm RA Centre – Courtside B 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa ON City staff will be available to answer questions, share updates, and hear your feedback.

Stay informed

• Visit the Bank Street Renewal page on the City of Ottawa website for additional details and specific traffic impacts.
• Sign up for the project newsletters to receive regular project updates.
• Contact the project team at BankStreet@ottawa.ca.