Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa has completed a major reconstruction project on Rideau and William streets.
The area has been under construction since April 2020 to renew streetscaping elements and improve transportation infrastructure, as part of the Rideau Street and William Street renewal project.
The renewed Rideau corridor includes improved underground infrastructure, wider sidewalks, new trees, increased pedestrian space around all entrances to the O-Train’s Rideau Station, and two new Para Transpo stops. It also includes new bike lanes and rack-style bike parking.
“The Rideau corridor has never looked better, and the improvements have made it more inviting and accessible for everyone. I encourage all residents and visitors to come explore the new look of both streets and support our local businesses,” said Mayor Jim Watson.
Improvements on William Street include new decorative pavers for patios and pedestrians, granite seats, a ‘ceiling’ of twinkle lights, and a historical timeline of the ByWard Market and Rideau Street set into steel panels.
In the months since the December reopening, the project team has completed landscaping and installed new streetlights, special effects poles, waste and recycling receptacles, and custom bus stops with digital signage. The project is now complete on schedule and within the approved budget of $13.5 million.
“Rideau Street is an important gateway into downtown Ottawa, and William Street provides a pedestrian-focused connection to the ByWard Market. It’s great to see improvements for all travellers, including renewed streets, more pedestrian space and bike friendly infrastructure, all conveniently connected to the O-Train at Rideau Station,” said Councillor Tim Tierney.