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Drivers frustrated by Highway 417 lane closures that have caused big bottlenecks west of downtown could now see relief by late June, the city says.
In a memo to city councillors Saturday, rail construction program director Richard Holder said the lanes near between the Woodroffe Avenue and Pinecrest Road exits could reopen as early as June 22, more than five weeks ahead of the original schedule.
The closures, caused by work on the western expansion of Ottawa’s light rail network, have been wreaking havoc on commutes since they began in May.
They were initially expected to last until late July. The reopening had previously been pushed up to July 6.
To meet the new June 22 date, crews will need to work through the night in the area next weekend, Holder wrote. Drivers should expect:
Westbound lane and ramp closures from 9 p.m. on June 20 until 8 a.m. on June 21.Eastbound lane and ramp closures from 9 p.m. on June 21 until 5 a.m. on June 22.
That work depends on the weather co-operating, Holder added.