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Construction at a key intersection in downtown Ottawa is ramping up for the remainder of the year, the city is warning motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
The project at the intersection of Laurier Avenue W. and Elgin Street began in early November 2025. It cut off left turns from westbound Laurier onto Elgin and caused other lane reductions and temporary sidewalk closures, leading to traffic backups during peak hours near city hall and the Ottawa Courthouse.
Starting Friday, the city says the lane closures will expand so Hydro Ottawa can reconstruct a maintenance hole. That work is being co-ordinated with existing construction, the city said.
As a result, southbound lanes of Elgin will be closed in two areas, one closer to Parliament Hill between Queen and Albert streets, and another at Laurier.
Vehicle and and bike lanes will also be closed on eastbound Laurier, and a crosswalk will be temporarily closed. Pedestrians will be asked to use a different crossing.
Cyclists will be asked to either use the vehicle lane or dismount and use pedestrian infrastructure as the construction continues.
WATCH | Last year’s coverage of construction beginning:
Construction underway to make Laurier-Elgin intersection safer
The City of Ottawa says there should be about a year’s worth of traffic disruption to improve cycling and pedestrian safety around the intersection of Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street.
This section of Laurier Avenue crosses the Rideau Canal and links Ottawa’s downtown to the University of Ottawa and Sandy Hill, as well as Nicholas Street, a major arterial to Highway 417. Elgin links the parliamentary precinct to the Glebe, Old Ottawa East and the parkways that line the canal.
The intersection redesign follows recent deaths of cyclists and pedestrians. It will separate the westbound Laurier bike lane next to Confederation Park from the vehicle lane, and add barriers at all four corners of the intersection.