Peter Karwacki

The New Edinburgh News of a new east end bridge at the aviation parkway must come as a shock to its readers. Make no mistake, the project which has been planned for the past 60 years is coming.
Ottawa has grown and the regular passing of 18 wheelers through Ottawa's core has worn thin, the route requiring four angular turns has never been safe.

The future will see trucks crossing over Kettle Island, down the aviation parkway to highway 417.

Some may adopt the NOT IN MY BACKYARD stance. Others may see the project as necessary for the city. Both are understandable... but the bridge is coming.

There is a need to engage planners now to ensure that the impact on Manor Park and Waterbridge, Cardinal Glen, and Carson Grove is optimized especially as it applies to traffic flow at Montreal and Ogilvie Roads where there are controlled crossings.

The residences along the aviation parkway will want pedestrian underpasses, and effective sound barriers. Thery have a right to demand sound deadening vegetation as well.

At the same time there are overpasses required at the controlled inter sections so that access to the Montfort hospital is not compromised. Do not let the project proponents off the hook for these modifications.

Locals also want to ensure that the design of the bridge ramps do not interfere with local traffic on the George Etienne parkway.

Now is not the time to sit at the table with your arms crossed. We need to engage with project planners now.