Ottawa initiates traffic tunnel environmental assessment

In August the City released a feasibility study finding the 3.4km-long tunnel is technically possible, and would reduce truck traffic on downtown streets. It undertook the study with a CAD 750,000 (USD 583,000) funding contribution from the Government of Ontario.

The study found the preliminary cost estimate for construction to be between CAD 1.7bn and CAD 2bn (USD 1.32bn to 1.5bn). The city council intends to approach the province to also help fund the environmental assessment.

The council also approved a motion directing city staff to explore the feasibility of banning all trucks from the downtown, with the exception of those making a delivery if the tunnel is constructed.

If a tunnel were to be built, it would be available for mixed-traffic use and would divert between 20,000 and 25,000 cars and trucks per day.

Previously Ottawa has said the forecasted traffic demand that would use this route is too small to justify an investment in a truck-only tunnel. Thirty-five per cent of truck traffic currently using downtown streets would not use the tunnel because they need to make local on-street deliveries or pick-ups.

Furthermore, any trucks transporting dangerous goods would be prohibited from the tunnel due to safety concerns.