The City of Ottawa and local police are warning of traffic issues Tuesday and Wednesday because of the "United We Roll" convoy protest on Parliament Hill.
A rally on the Hill is planned for 11:00 a.m. Ottawa Police Sgt. Mark Gatien will be traveling as the tail vehicle in the escort from Arnprior, and says the convoy will depart at around 8:00 a.m.
Already the convoy is delayed from leaving and will be leaving Antrim Truck Stop at 0800 instead of 0700. Google maps says it takes 1hr and 10 min to get to Wellington. So hopefully morning rush hr will be somewhat OK. But evening still may be busy. #ottnews
— Sgt Mark Gatien (@gatienmc) February 19, 2019
Transport trucks and other vehicles will arrive on Parliament Hill from Anrprior, and from the east and Gatineau as well. Exact routes have not been disclosed.
The City says Wellington St. between Kent St. and Elgin St. will be closed to regular traffic startng at 8:00 a.m. both days. The stretch of road is not expected to reopen until the afternoon rush hours, though not exact reopening time is given.
OPP say they will be monitoring the convoy as it moves down provincial highways to ensure a safe flow of traffic.
#OPPER The OPP is advising motorists about a convoy of transports called the "United We Roll Truck Convoy" travelling east across part of the region in the next 48 hours, enr to Ottawa. The OPP's objective is to maintain a steady flow of traffic in the safest manner possible. ^cs pic.twitter.com/utNntpWnDZ
— OPP East (@OPP_ER) February 18, 2019
Gatineau Police are also warning of possible traffic disruptions, especially along the Alexandra and Portage Bridges.
Plusieurs dizaines de camionneurs prévoient se rendre sur la Colline du Parlement demain et mercredi pour manifester. Leur présence pourrait notamment perturber la #circulation du côté de #Gatineau, près des ponts Alexandra et du Portage. Prévoyez des retards! https://t.co/DPiaLMBDX6
— PoliceGatineau (@PoliceGatineau) February 18, 2019
OC Transpo and ParaTranspo are telling riders to expect delays in the downtown core. Some service is being detoured.
⚠️On Feb 19 – 20, the United We Roll convoy is protesting on Parliament Hill. OC Transpo and Para Transpo services are expecting delays downtown. Planned detours to routes 9, 11, 12 & 18 will start at 3 am on Feb. 19: https://t.co/Au32O9blCs
— OC Transpo (@OC_Transpo) February 18, 2019
OC Transpo stops at Wellington and Metcalfe, Wellington and O'Connor, O'Connor and Sparks, Bank and Queen, and Metcalfe and Sparks will be out of service.
Routes 9, 11, 12 and 18 will be detoured to Queen Street. Other downtown routes may experience delays. Detours may be added as needed.
Service along Wellington St. is moved to Queen St.
Route 12 will temporarily be starting at Queen St. and Metcalfe St. As soon as the detour is over, Route 12 will resume service from Metcalfe and Sparks.