PROVINCE PLANS FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT HIGHWAY OVERPASS

Traffic may run a bit slow sometimes at the Rockdale Road overpass route between Russell Township and the City of Ottawa. The provincial transport ministry is installing traffic control lights at the site.

Ministry of Transportation media liaison Brandy Duhaime (MoT) explained in an email to the Refiet-News that the construction crew on site is working on setting up a traffic control system and also widening part of one intersection to create a new left-turn lane onto the eastbound part of Highway 417. "Work is expected to be completed this fall,” stated Duhaime. She added that the ministry expects completion by mid-December at the latest. The recent cold and rainy weather has delayed some of the work. Asked about traffic delays because of construction, Duhalme stated that the contractor is monitoring the situation and trying to maintain a steady traffic flow. "Lane closured of Rockdale Road and on the stated. the intersection ramps “The ministry are necessary improvements,” apologizes to complete for she any monitor inconvenience travelling traffic impacts and has not made public. the ministry aware of that any Our queues from this the contractor ramp to Highway may 417. If there cause queues, continues the contractor would for be required the to to allow that traffic to flow through the intersection to ensure the safety of all motorists on the highway and on the ramp." Duhaime noted that vehicle traffic and pedestrian crossing numbers for that intersection area meet MoT planning guidelines to warrant installation of a traffic control system to meet traffic safety needs. “In the past, the ministry has received multiple comments on the need to install traffic control signals," stated Duhaime, "and a northbound left-turn lane at this location.”

She also noted the project falls under the Class C environmental approval guideline, which does not required an automatic full public consultation. "However, the ministry did consult with local emergency services, municipalities, and agencies, leading up to construction,” she stated.

—photo Gregg Chamberlain Les automobilistes qui empruntent le viaduc du chemin Rockdale entre le canton de Russell et la ville d’Ottawa devront peut-être s’habituer à certains retards de circulation. Le ministère des Transports de l’Ontario a des équipes de construction sur le site qui installent de l’équipement pour les feux de circulation à l’intersection et qui élargissent également une partie du chemin pour créer une nouvelle voie de virage à gauche sur l’autoroute 417 en direction est. Les récentes pluies ont retardé l’échéancier de certains travaux du projet, mais les représentants du ministère s’attendent toujours à ce que tous les travaux soient terminés d’ici la fin de novembre ou le début de décembre.