University Messages - Transportation Plan

Below is an archive of the university’s messages regarding our transportation plan.

Update: Pedestrian Control Plan (PCP) – Existing Sidewalk Detour

August 16, 2021

Further to previous notifications, this notice is to provide clarification to our Carleton University Community about the existing Pedestrian Control Plan (PCP) – Existing Sidewalk Detour.

A detour is in place for pedestrians accessing campus at the Bronson Ave. main entrance. Due to construction on University Dr., sidewalks are presently closed to pedestrian traffic between Bronson Ave. and Campus Ave. Instead, pedestrians are detoured to enter campus using Stadium Way.

Please note that pedestrian access to the West sidewalk along Bronson Avenue (from Colonel By Drive crosswalk to Stadium Way) is also closed. Pedestrian Access to University Drive is unavailable until the completion of this Intersection Modification Project.

All Pedestrians traveling both North and South on Bronson Avenue have been detoured to the East Sidewalk along Bronson Ave., crossing at the Colonel By Drive Crosswalk and the Brewer Way Crosswalk. Pedestrians can enter and exit the North side of campus using Stadium Way until construction is completed.

The existing Cycle track through P7 is also closed during the expansion of P7 (Note: a new paved cycle pathway is being realigned during this project and is scheduled for completion November 2, 2021.)

For our Carleton University Community’s information, the existing Pedestrian Sidewalk Detour (PCP) of the University Bronson Intersection Modification, University Drive Roundabout, and P7 Expansion Projects is below. Click here to Fly Over the New Bronson Entrance.

Significant Roadway Project Update #2

June 25, 2021

The significant roadway project near the Bronson entrance to the Carleton campus is progressing.

This work includes an additional left-hand turn lane (going northbound) and major work at the Bronson Ave./Sunnyside intersection to include upgraded pedestrian/cyclist protected intersection crossings.

When the work at the intersection begins in the next few weeks, motorists can expect temporary delays and additional congestion on Bronson Ave.

Please be aware that temporary stop signs have been installed at the crosswalks on Stadium Way for the safety of participants in Carleton’s summer camps program.

The construction work on University Drive is expected to be completed in early fall 2021.

Updates will be provided to as the project progresses.

Facilities Management and Planning

Significant Roadway Project Update #1

May 26, 2021

The significant roadway project near the Bronson entrance to the Carleton campus is now underway.
The work has started in Parking Lot 7 with the levelling off of the area underway in preparation of the expansion of the parking lot, as per the information provided to the community on May 5.

The purpose of this work is to mitigate future traffic congestion on campus as part of Carleton University’s Transportation Plan.

The project will include:

Expansion of Bronson Ave. entrance to campus: This will include an additional left-turn lane (going northbound), and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle crossings at the traffic lights for increased safety. This work also includes updating the entire Bronson Ave./Sunnyside Ave. intersection with pedestrian/cyclist safety crossing measures.
Parking Lot 7 – Phase 1: As part of Phase 1, parking lot will be expanded and the existing mound of dirt will be removed. The pedestrian pathway that runs from Bronson Ave. will be realigned to increase safety.
Roundabout near P7: A roundabout will be constructed just east of the O-Train bridge near the entrance to P7.

As part of this project, several trees in the area had to be removed. The university has committed to replacing all trees that have been removed as part of the O-Train expansion project, and this roadway work, on a two-to-one ratio. The sidewalks and bike lanes will also be enhance to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Updates will be provided to as the project progresses.

Facilities Management and Planning

Significant Roadwork Project Begins May 10

May 5, 2021

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

A significant roadwork project will get underway on campus starting May 10, 2021. The purpose of this work is to mitigate future traffic congestion on campus as part of Carleton University’s Transportation Plan. This project involves three major elements, including:

Expansion of Bronson Ave. entrance to campus: This will include an additional left-turn lane (going northbound), and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle crossings at the traffic lights for increased safety. This work also includes updating the entire Bronson Ave./Sunnyside Ave. intersection with pedestrian/cyclist safety crossing measures.
Parking Lot 7: The parking lot will be expanded and the existing mound of dirt will be removed. The pedestrian pathway that runs from Bronson Ave. will be realigned to increase safety.
Roundabout near P7: A roundabout will be constructed just east of the O-Train bridge near the entrance to P7.

This work builds on completed transportation initiatives, including the Stadium Way entrance onto campus and the Raven Road extension for bus traffic only. Together, these measures will assist in improving traffic flow around the campus.

Members of the broader Ottawa South community were consulted in the planning of this construction project to ensure the impact to their neighbourhood is minimized as much as possible.

Our campus community will be kept informed as details are confirmed.

Sincerely,

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

July 6, 2020

Pedestrian Pathway Closure near Carleton O-Train Station

The O-Train is shut down for two years to allow the City of Ottawa to twin the tracks and allow for expansion of the LRT

As part of the City of Ottawa’s work to expand the O-Train, the pedestrian path that runs under the LRT tracks near the Carleton O-Train station will be closed as of July 2 until fall 2020.

This closure will allow the City of Ottawa to add a second set of tracks as well as to conduct sewer and other infrastructure work.

A temporary pathway from parking lot 4, over the train tracks to Campus Avenue, will be put in place to maintain access.

March 4, 2020

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The community was recently informed of the upcoming closure of the O-Train Line 2 on May 2, 2020.

We would also like to remind you that Parks Canada is closing the fixed bridge on Hog’s Back Road starting May 12, 2020. The project is scheduled to be completed December 2020. In addition, the National Capital Commission (NCC) recently announced that the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge will remain closed for an additional three months until Aug. 28, 2020. Pedestrian and cyclist access at the swing bridge will continue through construction.

This means that accessing Colonel By Drive from Hog’s Back Road will not be possible between May 12 and Aug. 28, 2020. Officials from the NCC, Parks Canada and the city plan to meet in a month’s time to discuss alternatives for easing traffic.

Due to these projects, we will see more traffic than usual at the Bronson Avenue entrance from May through August 2020. We ask community members to exercise patience as we cycle, drive, bus or walk to campus at this entry point.

Carleton is informing all community members now so they may plan their commute if affected by the bridge closures and O-Train shutdown.

A reminder to all community members that Bronson Avenue (north and south) is still accessible from the university’s Colonel By Drive entrance and Stadium Way is available as an additional exit from University Drive.

More information will be shared as it becomes available to ensure everyone is informed.

We are working hard to minimize disruption to major events and visitors to campus.

Sincerely,

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Feb. 25, 2020

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The City of Ottawa has confirmed the O-Train Line 2 – Trillium Line – will close on Saturday, May 2, 2020 for two years as part of the line’s expansion. Construction will begin Sunday, May 3, 2020. Please take note that on Monday, May 4, the O-Train will not be in service for your commute to or from Carleton University.

OC Transpo will replace the O-Train with R2 bus service running the entire line and stopping at all Line 2 stations. Fares for this bus service will be the same as the O-Train. To view a map of the temporary R2 bus service, click here.

As a result, there will be an increase in the number of buses on campus throughout the shutdown.

Customers are encouraged to check octranspo.com or subscribe to their alerts for the latest updates.

More information from OC Transpo will be shared in the coming weeks and months, including updated schedules, brochures and posters.

On-Campus Traffic Mitigation

A number of steps have been taken or are being developed to mitigate congestion caused by the train shutdown and construction projects around the city. This includes:

The completion of Stadium Way connecting Bronson Avenue and University Drive through Parking Lot 5 (P5) near MNP Park has provided an additional exit for the university community.
The City of Ottawa will extend Raven Road to Bronson Avenue to assist the movement of bus traffic. Construction will begin in April and is expected to be completed by fall 2020.
The creation of double left turn lanes at the Bronson Avenue entrance to assist vehicular traffic heading north. Anticipated completion date: Sept. 2020.
Carleton is in discussions with the City of Ottawa and the NCC on a proposed exit and entrance at Parking Lot 6 (P6). If granted, this would result in a right-in and right-out onto Colonel By Drive.

More information will be shared as it becomes available to ensure everyone is informed and up-to-date.

We are working hard to minimize disruption to major events and visitors to campus.

For more information, please go to: carleton.ca/transportationplan

Sincerely,

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Reminder: City Announces Preparations for Stage 2 O-Train Light Rail Transit Construction

Feb. 13, 2020

The City of Ottawa has issued a notice to residents confirming plans to remove some trees between the Greenboro Station and Carleton University. This work is required before construction of stage two of the new light rail transit (LRT) line.

The new LRT line includes doubling the width of the current track, including at the Carleton station. To accommodate the new twin tracks, trees on the City of Ottawa’s land will be removed. Some trees and shrubs on Carleton land will be impacted. A second phase of tree removal from city land is also planned for fall 2020.

Carleton University will develop a restoration plan to replace the trees and shrubs on Carleton property after the stage two LRT expansion is completed in 2022.

City crews will be using large equipment removing trees on both sides of the O-Train track from the Rideau River up to the current O-Train station at Campus Avenue and Library Road.

This work will take place during reading week, Feb. 17 to 21, 2020, to minimize interruptions for community members and O-Train Line 2 service during the day. Contractors hired by the city will complete their work between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., Monday to Friday.

Temporary detours for pedestrians and cyclists may be implemented during the course of the work. Signs will be erected and flag persons will be on location where detours may occur. Minimal impacts are expected. The contractor will be doing some work during the day that will result in additional noise in the area.

For more information contact Annie Goodchild, Communications and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, Rail Construction Program, Transportation Services Department, City of Ottawa, (613) 580-2424 ext. 30865, email: Annie.Goodchild@ottawa.ca

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

City Announces Preparations for Stage 2 O-Train Light Rail Transit Construction

Feb. 10, 2020

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

Carleton University will develop a restoration plan to replace the trees and shrubs after the stage two LRT expansion is completed in 2022.
City crews will begin removing trees on both sides of the O-Train track from the Rideau River up to the current O-Train station at Campus Avenue and Library Road.

This work will take place during reading week, Feb.17 to 21, 2020, to minimize interruptions for community members and O-Train Line 2 service during the day. Contractors hired by the city will complete their work between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m., Monday to Friday.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Stadium Way Officially Open

Oct. 28, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

We are pleased to announce that the new Stadium Way entrance onto campus through Parking Lot 5 is officially open. This new entrance offers an option to motorists who want to access Carleton from Bronson Avenue southbound as a right-in or turn right to exit the campus to Bronson Avenue south. Please see https://carleton.ca/transportationplan/maps/.

New signage has been posted on Bronson Avenue warning motorists turning right onto Stadium Way to yield to pedestrians and cyclists. We encourage motorists, pedestrians and cyclists using Stadium Way to exercise caution in Parking Lot 5 as the community adjusts to this new entrance and roadway.

Stadium Way is an additional mitigation measure to further ease traffic congestion on campus, particularly at the north end, as more cars are using the Bronson Avenue entrance now that the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge is closed.

Campus Safety Services staff continue to monitor traffic during peak periods to ensure pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are able to move around campus safely.

If you are travelling from the north end of campus when leaving the university, another suggested alternative route is to take Campus Avenue to Library Road to University Drive and take Colonel By Drive to either Riverside Drive or to Bronson northbound and southbound.

As well, new improved street signs have been installed across campus to better identify Campus Avenue, University Drive, Library Road and the new Stadium Way.

The City of Ottawa continues its paving work on Bronson Avenue near the campus. This is expected to continue for the next couple of weeks.

More information about the university’s Transportation Plan can be found on the Carleton Transportation Plan website: https://carleton.ca/transportationplan.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Travelling on Campus

Sept. 5, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

With the start of the new school year, we are experiencing more traffic congestion on campus, particularly at the north end, due to the fact that that more cars are using the Bronson Avenue entrance now that the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge is closed.

We realize that the conversion of Campus Avenue to a one-way road is a change for members of our campus community, but this is a necessary step to mitigate the impact of the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge closure, which has forced hundreds more vehicles to use the Bronson Avenue entrance to campus.

If you are travelling from the north end of campus when leaving the university, a suggested alternative route is to take Campus Avenue to Library Road to University Drive to access Colonel By Drive to either Riverside Drive, or to Bronson northbound and southbound.

Campus Safety Services staff are monitoring and directing traffic to ensure pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are able to move around campus safely. This will be in place as drivers and pedestrians adjust to the reconfiguration of Campus Avenue.

Pedestrians and cyclists are asked to exercise courtesy and share the intersections as they navigate campus so vehicle and bus traffic can also flow effectively. Some delays and the withdrawal of OC Transpo service on Campus Avenue have resulted in pedestrian overflow. Please remember to share the road.

Traffic flow is expected to improve further when the new Stadium Way entrance through Parking Lot 5 opens in mid-October onto Bronson Avenue as a right-in and right-out access/egress from campus.

More information about the university’s Transportation Plan can be found on the Carleton Transportation Plan website: https://carleton.ca/transportationplan.

We continue our efforts to mitigate the situation and we appreciate your patience at this time.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Campus Avenue Conversion to One Way in Effect Today

Aug. 30, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The conversion of Campus Avenue to a one-way street (southbound), from the bridge over the O-Train tracks on University Drive at the north end of campus and ending at Richcraft Hall, is in effect as of today, Aug. 30.

Campus Avenue will have a dedicated lane for buses and for pick-up and drop-offs, as well as a lane for through traffic.The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Fire and the paramedic service have been notified of this change.

In addition, Library Road has been reopened to traffic – as a two-way street – from Campus Avenue to Colonel By Drive.

The university has taken these steps to mitigate the traffic congestion on campus as a result of the closure of Hog’s Back Swing Bridge by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and in anticipation of next year’s O-Train shutdown.

Please note: If you plan to be on campus this weekend, remember that residence move-in weekend takes place Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. There will be an influx of traffic near the residence precinct on Campus Avenue and Library Road. During residence move-in weekend, only OC Transpo buses will be rerouted to University Drive and Raven Road.

More information about the university’s Transportation Plan can be found on the Carleton Transportation Plan website: https://carleton.ca/transportationplan

We ask community members to exercise patience as we cycle, walk and drive to and from campus.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Preparations for Campus Avenue Conversion to One-Way

Aug. 23, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The recent closure of Hog’s Back Swing Bridge by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and next year’s O-Train shutdown will both affect the daily commutes of faculty, staff, students and visitors to the university.

As part of the steps being taken to mitigate traffic issues on campus, Campus Avenue will be converted to a one-way street (southbound) from the bridge over the O-Train tracks on University Drive at the north end of campus and ending at Richcraft Hall.

This change will come into effect the week of Aug. 26, 2019.

Over the next few days and into next week, Facilities Management and Planning will be painting new lines and installing new signage on Campus Avenue. The work will be conducted during evening hours and is weather dependent.

Campus Avenue will have a dedicated lane for buses and for pick-up and drop-offs, as well as a lane for through traffic. The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Fire and the paramedic service have been notified of this change.

In addition, Library Road will be reopened to traffic, from Campus Avenue to the Mackenzie Building, at the same time that Campus Avenue becomes a one-way street. We will update the community when preparations for the transition are completed.

More information about the university’s Transportation Plan can be found on the Carleton Transportation Plan website: https://carleton.ca/transportationplan

We ask community members to exercise patience as we cycle, walk and drive to and from campus.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Campus Avenue Converting to One Way

Aug. 19, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

Carleton University is taking a number of steps to mitigate traffic congestion on campus, including the permanent conversion of Campus Avenue to a one-way street (southbound) from the bridge over the O-Train tracks on University Drive at the north end of campus and ending at Richcraft Hall.

This change will come into effect the week of Aug. 26, 2019. A map detailing this change directly follows this message. It is also available online here (click the Campus Avenue One Way Road Conversion map).

Campus Avenue will have a dedicated lane for buses and for pick-up and drop-offs, as well as a lane for through traffic. The Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Fire and the paramedic service have been notified of this change.

To prepare, Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) will paint new lines on Campus Avenue and install directional signs. The work will be conducted during evening hours this week and is weather dependent.

To further help mitigate traffic congestion on campus, construction continues on Stadium Way which will connect Bronson Avenue with University Drive through parking lot 5 (P5) near MNP Park and will be completed this fall.
The city also continues to plan an extension to Raven Road to assist in the movement of bus traffic. This project is in the design phase.

More information about the university’s Transportation Plan can be found on the Carleton Transportation Plan website: https://carleton.ca/transportationplan

We ask community members to exercise patience as we cycle, walk and drive to and from campus.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Hog’s Back Swing Bridge Set to Close Aug. 12, 2019 – Plan Your Commute

July 25, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The following information is being provided in advance to assist everyone with commuting to campus.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has advised that work will soon commence on the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge beginning on Monday, August 12, 2019. The bridge will be closed for a projected nine months. For additional information about this NCC project and site plan, click here.

During this construction, Hog’s Back Road between Prince of Wales and Colonel By Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic. However, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the canal via an accessible pathway to the lock just below the bridge.

The City of Ottawa suggests the following driving detour route during this closure: Prince of Wales to Heron Road to Riverside Drive to Colonel By Drive. A map detailing this route, as well as pedestrian and cyclist entry points to campus may be found on the university’s Transportation Plan website by clicking here.

Carleton University has taken steps to mitigate traffic congestion caused by construction projects around the city. The first step is the construction of Stadium Way that will connect Bronson Avenue and University Drive through parking lot 5 (P5), near MNP Park. Construction has already begun and will be completed this fall.

The City is planning for the extension of Raven Road to assist in the movement of bus traffic and this project is currently under design by the City of Ottawa.

The closure of the swing bridge will negatively impact commuting to and from the university. We ask community members to exercise patience with one another as we cycle, walk or drive to and from campus during this construction project by the NCC.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

O-Train Line 2 Maintenance July 15 to 21, 2019

July 8, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

OC Transpo will initiate two phases of maintenance to the O-Train line in July. The university is sharing this information so that employees and students can adjust their commuting times as required.

In the first phase, the O-Train Line 2 that services Carleton University will close for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades from Monday, July 15 to Sunday, July 21, 2019. The R2 bus service will replace O-Train Line 2 during this time.

In the second phase when Line 2 resumes service between Greenboro and Carling stations on Monday, July 22, Bayview station will remain closed until Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. Full Line 2 service – serving all stations – will resume Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.

For detailed information and maps detailing these closures, click here.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Stadium Way Construction Information

June 6, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

The closure of the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge in August by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and future shutdown of the O-Train next year, will affect the daily commute of the Carleton community of faculty, staff, students and visitors travelling to and from the university.

One of the steps being taken by the university to mitigate traffic congestion on campus, is the construction of a new road called Stadium Way that will connect Bronson Ave. and University Dr. through parking lot 5, near MNP Park (Keith Harris Stadium). This would be as a right-in, right-out for cars only from Bronson Ave, including a pedestrian sidewalk connection along the north side of Stadium Way, raised pedestrian crosswalks and street lighting revisions. Construction on Stadium Way is expected to begin the week of June 17, after convocation, and to finish in October.

Access to the Athletics complex via Parking Lot 5 or to MNP Park (Keith Harris Stadium) will be maintained and a traffic management plan will be in place and there may be additional traffic congestion. During this period of work, there will be visible exterior construction including heavy machinery in the area, with occasional noise and dust.

Facilities Management and Planning has been working with Athletics to ensure that the contractor implements the required mitigation measures during this project to prioritize the safety of users.

In response to questions received from the community, maps have been added to the Transportation Strategy website to indicate where the construction work will take place as well as to highlight travel alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists.

Information and reminders will be shared with the campus community via Carleton’s Top 5 as details are confirmed.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Reminder: Changes Coming to Your Commute this Summer: Make Your Plans

April 26, 2019

To All Members of the Carleton Community,

Upcoming construction projects by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and OC Transpo, will affect the daily commute of the Carleton community of faculty, staff, students and visitors travelling to and from the university.

The university has been developing a plan to mitigate for future campus transportation issues anticipated because of the upcoming the closures of:

the Hog’s Back Swing Bridge in August 2019;
the Hog’s Fixed Bridge and Dam Rehabilitation in May 2020;
the O-Train in May 2020 for Stage 2 LRT.

These projects by the NCC and the OC Transpo are going to have a major impact on our campus and your commute. In summary:

Beginning August 2019, Hog’s Back Road will be closed for approximately nine months to all vehicles between Colonel By Dr. and Prince of Wales Dr., diverting a significant amount of traffic to the Bronson Ave. entrance to campus. Alternative pedestrian/cyclist access across the Hog’s Back locks during construction is planned. Those who commute to the university via the swing bridge, will need to plan an alternate route when closures begin in August.
During the O-Train shutdown in May 2020, buses will replace train service for an estimated two years.

The university is taking steps to mitigate increased traffic congestion on campus. Read about plans for a new Raven Road and Stadium Way. If your commute is affected, please think about these suggested transportation alternatives.

Maps are currently being developed. They will specify where the construction work will take place as well as highlight travel alternatives for pedestrians and cyclists.

Information and reminders will be shared with the campus community via Carleton’s Top 5 as details are confirmed.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)

Upcoming Work to Open Raven Road to Bronson Avenue

March 25, 2019

To all Members of the Carleton Community,

Over the last several months, Carleton University has been developing a strategy to best respond to the impacts of the closure of Hog’s Back swing bridge this summer and the shutdown of the O-Train in 2020 for Stage 2 LRT.

These projects by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and the City of Ottawa are going to have a major impact on our campus. In summary:

Hog’s Back Road will be closed for approximately nine months to all vehicles from Colonel By Dr. to Prince of Wales Dr., diverting a significant amount of traffic to the Bronson Ave. entrance to campus. Improved pedestrian/cyclist access across the Hog’s Back locks during construction is planned.
During the O-Train shutdown, buses will replace train service for an estimated two years.

The university is taking steps to mitigate increased traffic congestion on campus. As a first step, the university is in the process of receiving site plans and permit approval from the City of Ottawa to proceed with two projects:

Planning for Raven Road to be opened to Bronson Ave. as a left-in and a right-out for buses only is underway. Preparation begins on March 26-28 with the city drilling bore holes, and construction starting in June (date to be confirmed).
Planning for the construction of a new road called Stadium Way that will connect Bronson Ave. and University Dr. through parking lot 5, near MNP Park is also underway. This would be as a right-in, right-out for cars only from Bronson Ave. Work is expected to begin in June (date to be confirmed).

A dedicated website has been created to house all information about these and future events. Information will be shared with the campus community as details are confirmed.

We are in discussions with the National Capital Commission (NCC) and the City of Ottawa and will continue to keep those lines of communications open. Further updates will be provided to the Carleton community.

Michel Piché
Vice-President (Finance and Administration)