The Project
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), in partnership with Totten Sims Hubicki (TSH) Associates Limited and in consultation with the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission, has completed a Preliminary Design Study and Class Environmental Assessment of the Ottawa Queensway (Highway 417) from Highway 416 easterly to Anderson Road.

The project evaluated the short and longer term needs of this section of the Queensway in terms of potential operational improvements and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in order to improve safety, enhance mobility and reduce congestion. The objectives were to evaluate opportunities to optimize the use of the existing facility, while providing for the efficient movement of people and goods and reducing gridlock.

Three rounds of Public Involvement Centres (PICs) were held at key points in the study to provide the public with information regarding the study and to receive public input. The PICs were held in January 2003, June 2004 and June 2005.

The Recommended Plan for the Queensway includes the following features:

• Widen to 4 basic lanes per direction from Highway 416 to Carling Avenue
• No changes to basic lanes from Carling Avenue to Metcalfe Street
• Widen to 4 basic lanes per direction from Metcalfe Street to Ottawa Road 174
• Modifications to the following interchanges:
  - Richmond Road
  - Greenbank Road
  - Woodroffe Avenue
  - Carling Avenue
  - Parkdale Avenue
  - Bronson Avenue Eastbound
  - Lyon Street
  - Nicholas Street
  - St. Laurent Boulevard
  
• Rehabilitate pavement, drainage systems, lighting, and other infrastructure as required
• Enhance and expand the existing Advance Traffic Management System
• Upgrade noise barriers to current standards
• Replace/enhance landscaping