Portobello and Valin Intersection Improvements

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Project status
Underway

Project overview

Project description

The objective of this project is a conversion of the existing four-way stop controlled intersection, on Portobello Boulevard at Valin Street, into a single lane roundabout. On each leg of the roundabout, PXO type ‘C’ will be implemented.

Project timing

Design: completed April 2023
Construction start: July 2023
Construction completion: end of July 2024

Project budget

Approved project funds to date are $3.6 million. 

Public engagement

A public information session was held on May 3, 2023, to present the design drawings to the public. At that time attendees were able to review the design, ask questions and provide comment on the proposed works.

An online public information session was held in January 2020 for the project with the roundabout presented as the preferred method of intersection control. At that time, residents were able to review the design, ask questions and provide comment on the proposed works.

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.

Contact information

For any emergency outside normal working hours, please call the City at 3-1-1.  
For general project information, please contact the City’s Project Manager.

City Project Manager
Larry Mckellop, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure & Water Services
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424, ext. 77940
Cell: 613-894-0374

Contract Administrator
Robert Cotnam, P.Eng.
Robinson Consultants Inc.
210-350 Palladium Drive, Ottawa, ON K2V 1A8
Tel:  613-266-8973

Contractor Representative
Connor Knape
Project Manager
R.W. Tomlinson Limited
100 Citigate Drive, Ottawa, ON K2J 6K7
Mobile: 613-325-3828

Construction update (April 2024)

This notice is to advise that the installation of the roundabout at the intersection of Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street will resume in April 2024 and the construction will again involve lane restrictions.

Portobello Boulevard will be reduced to a single lane 200 metres north and south of the Valin Street intersection starting in mid-April (with a tentative start date of April 22) until July. There will be intermittent traffic stoppages during working hours. A signed detour using Orchardview Avenue, Charlemagne Boulevard, and Walters Road will be in place for the duration of the lane closure.

What: The proposed works include the construction of a single lane roundabout at the intersection of Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street. Four PXOs Type ‘C’ will also be installed, one on each leg of the roundabout.

Why: The work is required in order to improve the traffic operational characteristics within your neighbourhood.

When: Construction will resume in April 2024 and is to be completed by July 2024.

Where: Portobello Boulevard at Valin Street intersection.

Who:  The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Ltd., to complete the work.

Traffic impacts

Residents can expect construction traffic and activity within the City’s right of way. Traffic will be restricted to one lane through the Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street intersection. Portobello Boulevard will be reduced to a single lane 200 metres to the north and south of Valin Street. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained through the work zone at all times during construction.

Pre-construction survey

The contractor will be performing a pre-construction survey of the infrastructure within the project limits to document their current conditions prior to the commencement of 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. As you can appreciate, there may be some inconvenience during the course of 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. For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255).

Construction notice (July 2023)

Starting July 2023, the City of Ottawa will begin installation of a roundabout in your neighborhood.

What: Roundabout: A single lane roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street. Four PXOs Type ‘C’ will also be installed, one on each leg of the roundabout.  

Why: The work is required in order to improve the traffic operational characteristics within your neighbourhood.

When: This work is scheduled to begin in July 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by end of December 2023.

Where: Portobello Boulevard at Valin Street intersection. 

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the contractor, R.W. Tomlinson Ltd., to complete the work.

Traffic management

To accommodate the proposed construction, temporary lane reductions will be required on Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street. Access to private properties including pedestrian and cycling access, will be maintained throughout the construction period unless otherwise communicated.

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, schools, parks and emergency vehicles. 

The Contractor is required to ensure that homeowners have access to their property. In the event that access to your driveway is restricted for a short period due to construction activities, you will be contacted in advance by the project team and given a temporary On-Street Parking Permit that will allow on-street parking within two blocks of your residence when these disruptions occur.

Contractor responsibility

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 on-site Representative. This will ensure prompt notification of appropriate authorities to complete the claim investigations.

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 course of 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. For construction activity hours of work, the City of Ottawa follows provincial requirements and the City’s Noise By-law (2017-255). 

Online engagement opportunity (May 3, 2023)

The City of Ottawa remains committed to keeping the public informed of projects occurring in your neighbourhood and may use a variety of communication methods to update residents including but not limited to, mailed notices, ottawa.ca, in-person and online engagement opportunities.

The Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street Intersection Modifications project team held a virtual public meeting on May 3, 2023, to provide residents with an update on this project. 

The City of Ottawa invites you to review and provide comments on the new documents and illustrations for the Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street Intersection Modifications project. 

Presentation [ 281.31 KB ]
Drawing [ 3.51 MB ]

Why: In 2017 a review of the intersection of Portobello Boulevard and Valin Street determined that the intersection is to be improved through implementation of a roundabout. The proposed roundabout will reduce pedestrian crossing distances and improve overall road safety.

What: The City of Ottawa is proposing to replace the four-way stop at Portobello and Valin Street intersection with a single-lane roundabout. Dedicated pedestrian and cycling facilities around the roundabout are also proposed to promote active transportation, and to improve safety for all road users.

Where: The project limits include the intersection of Portobello Boulevard at Valin Street. 

When: The current project schedule is as follows:

  • Design is completed
  • Construction is expected to start in summer 2023

Notices will be sent prior to construction.

Who: The work is being managed by City of Ottawa Infrastructure Services and the consulting firm, Robinson Consultants Inc., has been retained to complete the design and provide contract administration services during construction.

For further information about this project and/or to submit comments on the project, please contact the City project manager.