Ottawa releases study on trunk tunnel feasibility

It undertook the study with a CAD 750,000 (USD 583,000) funding contribution from the Government of Ontario to explore the tunnel option as a means of reducing truck traffic on downtown streets.

The 3.4km tunnel would extend with two lanes in each direction from the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge to Highway 417 at Vanier Parkway and Riverside Drive via a cross-town route under Lowertown and Sandy Hill.

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 significant heavy-truck traffic moving between Ottawa and Gatineau has long been a major issue for residents as well as for those visiting Canada’s capital,” said mayor Jim Watson. “This report should equip us with the information we need to make a case to the provincial and federal governments on how best to move forward towards a solution that works for all.”

Ottawa 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.

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.

The study and a staff report will be considered at Transportation Committee on Wednesday, September 7.