The Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa are equally cost-sharing a technical study that will cost approximately CAD 750,000 (USD 688,300) and will take approximately 18 months to complete. Engineering consulting firm Parsons has been hired to undertake the study.
"As our cities grow, we have a responsibility to find feasible solutions to keep people, goods and services moving," said Steven Del Duca, Ontario Transportation Minister. "We are working with the City of Ottawa to reduce truck traffic downtown while keeping our economy moving forward."
In November 2013, City Council unanimously approved Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) which will serve as the blueprint for transportation investments throughout the City of Ottawa over the next 20 years. During this discussion, Council also approved initiating a feasibility study for a downtown tunnel that would establish an alternate connection between Highway 417 and the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge for trucks and vehicles that travel through the downtown area without stopping. If the study determines that such a project is feasible, there would be a subsequent environmental assessment study that would include extensive public consultation.
"This study is a step toward improving the quality of life for residents in Lowertown and Sandy Hill, said Mayor Jim Watson. "I thank the Province of Ontario for helping to explore a potentially practical solution to a long-term problem in Ottawa."
