One of the busiest streets in Ottawa is set to close for an entire year.
Elgin St. will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Somerset St. to Cathrine St. in starting Monday, Jan. 7.
The following changes will also be made on Elgin St. between Laurier Ave. and Somerset St.
- One southbound lane will remain open along Elgin Street from Laurier Avenue to Somerset Street.
- The northbound lane on Elgin Street will be closed from Somerset Street to Nepean Street.
- The exit lane from the City Hall parking garage to Elgin Street will be open. Vehicles will be able to access Elgin Street as usual from Nepean Street.
The Elgin Street Renewal Project is part of the city's plan to replace aging underground infrastructure.
The City says some of the water mains under Elgin date back to 1874 and are at the end of their service life. Changes above-ground include widening sidewalks, utility reconstruction, LED lighting, additional green space and flexible street space that can be used either for parking or outdoor patio use.
Businesses will remain open and Elgin will still be accessible by foot.
The city is offering free parking at city hall on weeknights and weekends to compensate for the lack of parking on Elgin.
The closure is expected to last for all of 2019.
City of Ottawa