Reconstruction of Albert Street/Queen Street/Slater Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street and Bronson Avenue from Queen Street to Laurier Avenue

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Project description

The City of Ottawa has identified a requirement for the rehabilitation and/or replacement of portions of its underground infrastructure along Albert Street, Queen Street, Slater Street, and Bronson Avenue.

The project limits include:

• Albert Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street
• Queen Street from Bronson Avenue to Bay Street
• Slater Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street
• Bronson Avenue from Queen Street to Laurier Avenue

The project will include the replacement of portions of the existing sewers, roads, and watermains as well as the rearrangement and reconstruction of the street right-of-way in accordance with the results of the Albert and Slater Streets Post Light Rail Transit (LRT) Repurposing Functional Design Study that was approved by Council of the City of Ottawa in 2018. The streets will follow the complete street framework, in which physical elements will be incorporated if possible into the design such that streets offer safety, comfort and mobility for all users.

Why: The City is renewing the underground infrastructure to improve performance of our sewers and to improve the reliability of the water distribution system. The inclusion of integrated requirements for accessibility, pedestrian movements, cycling facilities, and bus transit requirements align with the direction provided by the City’s Accessibility Design Standards and the City’s Official Plan, and the City’s Downtown Moves master plan.

Where: The project includes Albert Street, Queen Street, Slater Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street and Bronson Avenue from Queen Street to Laurier Avenue.

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, Parsons Corporation, to develop the design for the reconstruction of Albert Street/Queen Street/Slater Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street and Bronson Avenue from Queen Street to Laurier Avenue Project. Aecon Construction Ontario East was retained as the contractor to undertake the work.

Project timing

The current project schedule is as follows:

• Design completion: fall 2021
• Utilities relocations: summer/fall 2021and winter/spring 2022
• Construction start: spring 2022
• Construction end: late 2024

Project budget

Approved project funds to date: approximately $47 million

Construction schedule

During the 2023 construction season, the project will focus on the following:

• Albert Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street: Complete surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, bus stop, road construction and paving
• Slater Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street: Complete the remaining storm sewer installation and connect into the Bay Street intersection, complete surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, bus stop, signalized intersection at Bay, road construction and paving
• Albert Street, between Empress and Bronson avenues: Complete underground infrastructure replacement including sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain replacement as well as surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, two eastbound bus stops, signalized intersection at Empress, road construction and paving
• Slater Street, between Empress and Bronson avenues: Complete road realignment including new curbs, sidewalks, and cycle tracks
• Bronson Avenue, between Laurier Avenue West and Slater Street: Complete the minor widening of Bronson to allow for a wider sidewalk, the installation of the watermain and surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, road construction and paving
• Bronson Avenue, between Albert and Queen streets: Complete underground infrastructure replacement including storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain.

This work began in the spring of 2022 and is to be completed by late 2024.

On-street parking and local access

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles.

Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the Contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.

Impact on the right of way and adjacent private properties

The reconstruction is within the City’s right of way but may result in some disruption to part of the private property directly adjacent to the work. The City will reinstate sections of landscaping, driveways and walkways that are disturbed by construction. 

Construction disruptions

The Contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but, as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the work, such as traffic delays, noise and dust. You may also feel vibrations due to heavy equipment operations. Vibrations from construction activities are quite common and rarely cause any problems. We would like to thank you for your patience and co-operation.

Temporary water services

During the replacement of the watermain, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property will be on this temporary service, your water usage will be estimated as the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on the past average water usage for your address. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted. Temporary water is provided for domestic consumption purposes only. If you have a private fire suppression system, it is recommended that you make arrangements with a fire protection services company in order to determine the extent of any impact. For information on minimizing your fire risk contact the City’s Fire Services at 613-580-2424 ext. 15371 (East) or ext. 15372 (West).

We apologize in advance for any disruptions in water service during construction. Any problems with the temporary water services can be directed to the City’s on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.

Tree removal and planting

There are over 100 trees proposed to be planted as part of the Albert, Queen, Slater, Bronson reconstruction project and the Ādisōke (Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility) project combined. The new trees will include several hearty salt-resistant species that will contribute to the urban forest and provide shade and respite from the urban environment. As discussed during the Albert, Queen, Slater, Bronson reconstruction consultation phase, this project also includes the removal of select trees.

A total of approximately 100 existing trees are either in direct conflict with the proposed road realignment, cycle tracks or sidewalks, and must be removed.

Tree replacement is being provided at a 1:1 replacement level and there will also be approximately 17,250 additional perennials and ornamental grasses planted. Of the new trees, a portion of them will be planted in soil cells located within the right-of-way or within the boulevard. A soil cell is a modular building block (resembles a plastic milk crate) used to contain healthy soil beneath a hard asphalt and/or concrete surface. The soil cells will support the cycle track and sidewalk loads and are filled with high-quality, uncompacted soil that allows the tree roots to spread out and grow. The system includes irrigation pipes to aid in watering trees and providing sufficient air circulation. Overall, the soil cells promote healthy tree root growth, longevity and increase their likelihood of trees surviving in an urban environment.

Photo: A typical underground soil cell which allows healthy tree roots growth under a hard surface.

Noise By-law

The City of Ottawa Noise By-law (2017-255) allows construction activity to occur weekdays between 7 am and 10 pm. On Saturdays, work is permitted between 7 am and 10 pm, while Sunday and statutory holiday work is allowed between 9 am and 10 pm. If work needs to occur outside of the Noise By-law, an exemption request will be approved, and timing for the planned work will be communicated to affected residents in advance.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Safety

The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, call the City at 3-1-1.
For further information, please contact the project team or alternatively, the City Project Manager:

City Project Manager
Patrick Duquette, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel.: 613-580-2424, ext. 16038

City On-Site Representatives
Brett Hayes, C.E.T.
City of Ottawa, Inspector
Tel.: 613-298-0265

Trent Bowden, C.E.T.
City of Ottawa, Inspector
Tel.: 613-769-8388                                                    

Contract Administrator
Marc Proulx, C.E.T.
Parsons
Tel:  613-691-1597

Contractor Representatives
Travis Jones, P.Eng., Project Manager
GIP Construction Ontario East Ltd.
Tel.: 613-839-2816

Stephen Zeggil, Site Superintendent
GIP Construction Ontario East Ltd.
Tel.: 613-914-6824

Bronson Avenue, between Laurier Avenue and Slater Street, will close from 6 am on Wednesday, September 27 until 10 pm on Thursday, October 12.

This upcoming temporary closure is to facilitate deep excavations for sewer and watermain work as part of the Albert/Queen/Slater/Bronson reconstruction project.

Traffic impacts and OC Transpo

Traffic and transit detours will be in place for the duration of the closure. Trucks will not be able to use the Slater Street and Bronson Avenue intersection and will be detoured via Preston Street, Somerset Street West and then back on to Bronson Avenue. Visit octranspo.com for updates to transit service detours.

Parking and local access

On-street parking will not be possible during the closures, and signage will be in place. Local access will be maintained for residents, business owners and emergency vehicles only.

Pedestrians and cyclists

Pedestrian and cyclist access through the work area will be maintained where possible. Detours and signage will be in place.

This notice is to inform you of upcoming changes to traffic patterns and temporary road closures which will impact Albert Street, Slater Street, Commissioner Street and Bronson Avenue. These temporary road closures are required to facilitate sewer, watermain and road construction work as part of the Albert, Queen, Slater and Bronson reconstruction project.

What: On or around September 18, the following changes to traffic patterns will occur:

• Bronson Avenue between Albert and Slater Streets will be permanently converted to two-way traffic with a single lane in each direction
• Commissioner Street between Albert and Slater Streets will be permanently closed to all modes of travel
• Slater Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues will be permanently closed to traffic
• Albert Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues will be temporarily converted to two-way traffic and will operate with a single lane in each direction

Closure affecting Bronson Avenue

• Bronson Avenue between Albert and Queen Streets will remain in a one-way southbound configuration until Friday, October 6 
• Starting at 6 am on Wednesday, September 27 until 10 pm on Thursday, October 12: Bronson Avenue will be closed in both directions between Laurier Avenue West and Slater Street for the installation of a storm sewer

All work will proceed in accordance with the requirements of the Noise By-law.

Why: This work is required for sewer and watermain replacement and for the construction of the realigned Albert Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues.

When: Closures are expected to start on Monday, September 18 as detailed above but may be delayed due to inclement weather. Signage will be in place to provide advanced notice of the full closure of Bronson Avenue between Laurier Avenue West and Slater Street.

Where:

• Bronson Avenue between Laurier and Queen Streets
• Albert Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues
• Slater Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues
• Commissioner Street between Albert and Slater Streets

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained GIP Construction Ontario East Ltd. to undertake this work.

Traffic impacts

After the permanent closure of Commissioner Street between Albert and Slater Streets, southbound Commissioner Street traffic seeking to reach Bronson Avenue or Slater Street will be required to turn east on the new Albert Street eastbound lane and then south on the new Bronson Avenue southbound lane. This configuration is expected to remain in place until the final realignment of Albert Street is complete.

After the permanent closure of Slater Street between Empress and Bronson Avenues, eastbound Slater Street traffic will be redirected onto the new Albert Street eastbound lane, to the new Bronson Avenue southbound lane and then back to eastbound Slater Street. Please watch for directional signage. Slater Street between Empress and Bronson avenues will continue to serve as a multi-use pathway until the new sidewalk and cycling infrastructure is constructed on Albert Street.

During the closure of northbound Bronson Avenue between Albert and Queen Streets, northbound Bronson Avenue traffic will be detoured via Slater Street, Bay Street and Queen Street. Pedestrian access will be maintained on one of the sidewalks of Bronson Avenue. Southbound traffic will not be impacted as Bronson Avenue will temporarily operate as a one-way southbound street.

During the closure of Bronson Avenue between Laurier Avenue West and Slater Street, vehicles, transit and cyclists will be detoured. Detour signage will be installed onsite. Pedestrian access will be maintained on one of the sidewalks on Bronson Avenue. Vehicle access for Bronson Avenue (local residents only) will be maintained via the Bronson Avenue and Laurier Avenue West intersection.

On-street parking

If access to your driveway is restricted due to construction activities, a Temporary On-Street Parking Permit (orange form) will be distributed to permit on-street parking within two blocks of your residence.

Ongoing traffic impacts

The following traffic impacts are currently ongoing until approximately the end of November 2023:

Bronson Avenue

• Between Laurier Avenue and Slater Street
  • Is reduced to a single lane in each direction until November
• Between Slater and Albert streets
  • is reduced to a single northbound lane until the summer 
  • After summer, a southbound lane will open, providing single-lane, two-way travel until November 
• Between Albert and Queen streets
  • Bronson Avenue will be reduced to a single southbound lane

Albert and Slater streets will be reduced to a single lane between Empress Avenue and Bay Street for most of the 2023 construction season.

• Between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street, sidewalks will be closed one at a time and localized detours will be in place. 
• Sidewalks and the multi-use pathway on Albert Street, between Empress Avenue and Commissioner Street, will be fully closed and pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured via a dedicated multi-use pathway which will use the former Slater Street alignment, between Empress and Bronson.

The City is committed to working with the community throughout the duration of this project.

Traffic impacts related to this reconstruction project can also be found on slides 24 and 25 in the November 2021 public presentation.

Beginning in early March, the City of Ottawa will resume the rehabilitation of its underground infrastructure along Albert Street, Queen Street, Slater Street and Bronson Avenue.

Below is a detailed overview of the next phase of construction.

To stay up to date on the project, sign up for the Reconstruction of Albert, Queen, Slater, Bronson e-newsletter.

What: During the 2023 construction season, the project will focus on the following:

• Albert Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street: Complete surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, bus stop, road construction and paving
• Slater Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street: Complete the remaining storm sewer installation and connect into the Bay Street intersection, complete surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, bus stop, signalized intersection at Bay, road construction and paving
• Albert Street, between Empress and Bronson avenues: Complete underground infrastructure replacement including sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain replacement as well as surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, cycle tracks, two eastbound bus stops, signalized intersection at Empress, road construction and paving
• Slater Street, between Empress and Bronson avenues: Complete road realignment including new curbs, sidewalks, and cycle tracks
• Bronson Avenue, between Laurier Avenue West and Slater Street: Complete the minor widening of Bronson to allow for a wider sidewalk, the installation of the watermain and surface works including new curbs, sidewalks, road construction and paving
• Bronson Avenue, between Albert and Queen streets: Complete the installation of storm and sanitary sewer
• Queen Street, between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street: Begin the installation of storm sewer and sanitary sewer 

Why: The overall purpose of the project is to replace portions of the existing sewers, roads and watermains as well as the rearrangement and reconstruction of the street right of way in accordance with the results of the Albert and Slater Streets Post Light Rail Transit (LRT) Repurposing Functional Design Study that was approved by Ottawa City Council in 2018. The streets will follow the Complete Street framework, in which physical elements will be incorporated into the design, such as safety, comfort and mobility for all users.    
 
When: The work on Bronson Avenue, between Laurier Avenue and Slater Street, is tentatively planned to begin in early March 2023 and the remaining work will resume as warmer weather arrives. The project is planned to be completed by the end of October 2024.

Where: The limits of construction associated with this project are as follows:

• Albert Street, from Empress Avenue to Bay Street
• Slater Street, from Empress Avenue to Bay Street
• Queen Street, from Bronson Avenue to Bay Street
• Bronson Avenue, from Queen Street to Laurier Street

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, Aecon Construction Ontario East, to complete the work.

Traffic impacts

Traffic impacts related to this reconstruction project can be found on slides 24 and 25 in the November 2021 public presentation in the Public Engagement section.

The exact timing and details of any full closures will be communicated in advance via mailed notices, posting to the project webpage and our project newsletter.

Albert and Slater streets

Albert and Slater streets will be reduced to a single lane between Empress Avenue and Bay Street for most of the 2023 construction season. Between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street, sidewalks will be closed one at a time and localized detours will be in place. Sidewalks and the multi-use pathway on Albert Street, between Empress Avenue and Commissioner Street, will be fully closed and pedestrians and cyclists will be detoured via a dedicated multi-use pathway which will use the former Slater Street alignment, between Empress and Bronson.

Bronson Avenue

Bronson Avenue will be reduced to a single northbound lane between Slater and Albert streets and a single lane in each direction between Slater Street and Laurier Avenue. During the sewer reconstruction between Albert and Queen streets, Bronson Avenue will be reduced to a single northbound lane.

Commissioner Street

Commissioner Street will be reduced to a single southbound lane between Albert and Slater streets. The cycle track on Commissioner between Albert Street and Slater Street will also be closed and detoured via the dedicated multi-use pathway on the former Slater Street alignment.

Queen Street

During the sewer replacement, Queen Street will be reduced to a single eastbound lane between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street. During watermain replacement, currently scheduled for 2024, Queen Street will be reduced to a single westbound lane between Bronson Avenue and Bay Street.

On-street parking and local access

As the various road reconstruction activities are in progress, on-street parking will be restricted. Local access will be maintained to residents, business owners and emergency vehicles. Periodically, vehicular access to your property may be unavailable; the Contractor is required to provide 24-hour notification of temporary loss of vehicular access/egress to your property. A temporary On-Street Parking Permit will be made available to allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.

Impact on the right of way and adjacent private properties

The reconstruction is within the City’s right of way but may result in some disruption to part of the private property directly adjacent to the work. The City will reinstate sections of landscaping, driveways and walkways that are disturbed by construction. However, if you have plants or any other assets located within the City’s right of way that you want to preserve, we suggest that you may want to move them in preparation for the construction work.

Pre-construction inspection

The Contractor is required to engage a third party to carry out pre-construction inspections of buildings in the work area. A representative from Blastek Engineering Group will be contacting affected property owners to schedule these inspections. 

As part of this contract, the Contractor is assuming full responsibility for the construction work until it is entirely complete as well as any damages to private property resulting from these construction activities. In the event of such occurrences, all claims for damages should be immediately reported both verbally and in writing to the Contractor and to the City’s on-site representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations. 

Temporary water services

During the replacement of the watermain, water will be supplied to buildings by temporary water lines. While your property will be on this temporary service, your water usage will be estimated as the temporary service is not metered. Your water bill will be based on the past average water usage for your address. If you have any questions, please contact Revenue at 613-580-2444 or WS-Billing@ottawa.ca.

Municipal fire suppression will continue during the construction period. Please note that private fire suppression systems may be impacted. Temporary water is provided for domestic consumption purposes only. If you have a private fire suppression system, it is recommended that you make arrangements with a fire protection services company in order to determine the extent of any impact. For information on minimizing your fire risk contact the City’s Fire Services at 613-580-2424 ext. 15371.

We apologize in advance for any disruptions in water service during construction. Any problems with the temporary water services can be directed to the City’s on-site representative or call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 in the evenings or weekends.

Construction disruptions

The Contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions to the everyday life of your family and/or operation of your business, but, as you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the work, such as traffic delays, noise and dust. You may also feel vibrations due to heavy equipment operations. Vibrations from construction activities are quite common and are rarely a cause for concern. We would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation.

The Reconstruction of Albert Street, Queen Street, Slater Street from Empress Avenue to Bay Street and Bronson Avenue from Queen Street to Laurier Avenue project has held several online engagement opportunities.

The City of Ottawa invited residents to review and provide comments in November 2021, January 2021, and June 2020. 

Online engagement opportunity (November 2021)

The presentation from the online engagement session held on November 23, 2021 is linked below. Residents were encouraged to provide feedback by December 7, 2021.

Presentation boards [ 3.42 MB ]

Online engagement opportunity (January 2021)

In January 2021, residents were provided the opportunity to review project details and provide feedback by January 27, 2021. The project display boards and roll plan are linked below.

Project display boards [ 379 KB ]
Roll plan [12.9 MB ]

Online engagement opportunity (June 2020)

In June 2022, residents were provided the opportunity to review project details and provide feedback between June 16 – 30, 2020. The project display boards and draft design drawings are linked below.

Project display boards [ 1.88 MB ]
Draft Design – Reconstruction of Albert, Queen, Slater and Bronson Streets [ 1.05 MB ]