The Transportation Committee heard the results of the Wellington Street transportation study, looking into the traffic impacts if Wellington Street were closed to vehicles.
The study concluded that traffic impacts associated with a permanent closure could be mitigated through targeted modification of nearby intersections. The number of changes to other intersections would vary based on traffic volume. If traffic volume were to remain consistent with 2019 levels, three intersections would need to be modified, costing up to $10.6 million. An additional 10-per-cent increase in traffic volume would require six more intersection modifications, for a combined cost of up to $26 million. With a 25-per-cent reduction of traffic volume from the 2019 level, no intersection modifications would be needed. The study area was bound by the Ottawa River to the north, Sussex Drive and Colonel By Drive to the east, Laurier Avenue to the south and Booth Street to the west.
Staff reports the current operation of Wellington Street, with one traffic lane and one bike lane in each direction, is working well from a traffic operations perspective.
The City and Public Services and Procurement Canada continue to have regular meetings regarding the future of Wellington Street.
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