Sinkhole traffic shows problems of east-end bridge, councillors say
Bridge would congest traffic in morning and afternoon in both directions, councillors say
Two east Ottawa city councillors say traffic issues with the sinkhole demonstrate the problems of having an interprovincial bridge that would connect Highway 174 and Gatineau's east end.
Rainer Bloess and Bob Monette said the traffic congestion caused by the closure of the highway near the Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard exit provides a preview of future traffic jams for people living in Orleans.
In a news release, the councillors said traffic would be a serious problem if an interprovincial bridge connected to the 174 anywhere in the east-end greenbelt.
Bloess has even said an interprovincial bridge would cause more traffic headaches than the sinkhole because it would affect vehicles in both directions.
He also said the bridge, which is expected to cost about $500 million to build, would cause backups in the morning and afternoon for commuters.
The two councillors plan to bring a motion to council Sept. 26.
There are currently three options on the table and the National Capital Commission, which has completed its public consultations, is expected to recommend a site for the bridge this fall.
This past June, a coalition of east Ottawa community groups argued all three potential locations for a sixth provincial bridge linking Ottawa to Gatineau are unnecessary and would not solve the issue of truck traffic in Ottawa.
Ottawa and Gatineau are already connected via the Macdonald-Cartier bridge, as well as the Alexandra, Portage, Chaudières and Champlain bridges.