Background

Owing to the natural geographic constraints of the Ottawa River and the Mer Bleue Bog, there are limited alternative east-west transportation routes in the east urban area to service transportation demand associated with existing and planned development in the City and the County.

Extensive growth in Orleans, Cumberland and Rockland has increased traffic volumes on Ottawa Road 174/County Road 17 leading to congestion during peak periods. In addition, there are road safety concerns related to the numerous at-grade intersections, lower geometric design standards of the two-lane roadway as well as high traffic demand and the lack of passing opportunities, resulting in a poor level of service. Capacity, operational, and safety improvements may be required to address these deficiencies. The proposed study limits are shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1:  Ottawa Road 174/County Road 17 EA Study Limits

Timing

Project scoping is ongoing.  A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process will be undertaken with award of the EA study anticipated in Spring/Summer 2012.  The EA study is expected to be completed in approximately two years.