The city of Ottawa is preparing to spend $702 million on municipal infrastructure improvements over the coming months, including $112 million to widen Strandherd Drive. The number of active infrastructure projects will pick up in Ottawa when the weather gets warmer.
The Ottawa Citizen reports that there are 600 ongoing construction projects in Ottawa, and that doesn't include the city's largest projects:
- The expanded Light Rail Transit (LRT) system
- Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Joint Facility (Adisoke)
Strandherd Drive is a major route in fast-growing Barrhaven. The neighbourhood's population is expected to grow by 37 per cent by 2031, compared to 19 per cent for Ottawa itself. The widening project on Strandherd Drive will reduce congestion along the busy road and help increase cyclist and pedestrian access. It is expected to be completed sometime earlier than the originally planned target date in the fall of 2023.
The TomTom Traffic Index ranks Ottawa as having the eighth worst traffic of any city in Canada. The city's drivers lose about 41 hours of their time to traffic each year.
"We do know that construction can be disruptive and this will be a short-term pain for a longer-term gain. It is not just about the infrastructure, it's also about economic development opportunities. Any improvements to those local communities also help with economic growth. Having good infrastructure, you need that to promote growth."
Ottawa's general manager of Infrastructure & water management | Tammy Rose
Below is a breakdown of Ottawa's 2022 $702 million infrastructure improvement budget according to Ontario Construction News:
- $88 million for road rehabilitation, including resurfacing, geotechnical, guiderails, rural road upgrades and preservation treatments
- $45 million for structures and bridges
- $47 million for buildings and parks
- $11.5 million for sidewalks and pathways
- $18 million for culverts
- $118 million for integrated road, water and sewer reconstruction projects
Work on the Adisoke Library has temporarily paused due to the Ontario construction strikes. Over the coming days, limited activities may take place on the site, such as minor concrete pouring and steel reinforcement activities. The Adisoke Library seems to be the only project being impacted at this time.