City, NCC and the Embassy of the United States partner for new cycling lanes on Mackenzie Avenue

The City of Ottawa, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and the Embassy of the United States, are working collaboratively to improve mobility on the Confederation Boulevard by constructing dedicated cycling lanes on Mackenzie Avenue.

A plan was jointly developed that includes a partially raised, bi-directional cycling facility, on the east side of Mackenzie Avenue that will be built to the design standards of the Confederation Boulevard. The plan also includes the removal of the existing jersey barriers in front of the Embassy of the United States, as well as the installation of security bollards.

The addition of a cycling facility on Mackenzie Avenue is identified in Phase 1 of the City of Ottawa’s 2013 Cycling Plan and in the NCC’s Strategic Plan for Canada’s Capital Pathway Network, both of which received extensive public input. The project is also identified in the Term of Council Priorities.

The new cycling facility will connect the existing cycling lanes on Sussex Drive, St. Patrick Street and Alexandra Bridge to Wellington Street/Rideau Street and the Eastern Rideau Canal Pathway. The configuration of vehicle lanes at the Wellington Street/Rideau Street intersection will remain the same. The project will also include the removal of on-street parking spaces on the east side of Mackenzie Avenue.

A report will be tabled at the City of Ottawa Transportation Committee on Wednesday, November 4, which will then be submitted for approval by the NCC Board on Wednesday, November 18.

Once this plan receives approvals from all authorities, a detailed construction plan and schedule will be created that respects the planned Canada 150 celebrations in 2017.