Info-Travaux: Colonel By Drive – Intermittent Lane and Pathway Restrictions

Smiths Falls, Ontario, April 24, 2020–Parks Canada advises the public to expect intermittent traffic interruptions and lane closures of the southbound lane on Colonel By Drive between the Pretoria Bridge and the Highway 417 Overpass beginning on Friday, April 24th, 2020, to allow for infrastructure work along the walls of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

This infrastructure work will be underway for approximately two weeks and some traffic delays are anticipated during this period. The recreational trail that runs alongside this stretch of the Rideau Canal will also be closed. A detour will be available and signs will be in place to direct people to the appropriate, alternate route.

Parks Canada appreciates the patience from the travelling public and apologizes for the inconvenience of these temporary closures. The disruptions to path and roadway users are required to allow for maintenance work to be completed on the Rideau Canal wall in the area. This work is part of a larger federal infrastructure renewal project to upgrade existing canal walls, which will ensure this UNESCO World Heritage Site is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

The upgrades to the Rideau Canal walls is part of the Government of Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Investment program. Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.

Please note:

• Parks Canada is following advice from public health experts and implementing measures to support Canada’s efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and reduce the risks to Canadians, visitors, Parks Canada team members, and contractors working at our places.
• Parks Canada is calling on Canadians to stay home and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Camping, group activities and events at all national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals and national marine conservation areas are suspended until at least May 31, 2020. The current suspension of visitor services and vehicle access by visitors, as well as the temporary closure of visitor facilities, will remain in place until further notice. The Agency will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action, as required, to mitigate risks to visitors and team members.
• Parks Canada’s construction projects are considered part of the Agency’s critical services to the public. Most scheduled construction activities are proceeding as planned, but are subject to change due to the evolving situation related to COVID-19. Parks Canada will continue to communicate all developments to the public.

For questions or concerns, or to receive email updates regarding this project, please contact us at Rideau.info@pc.gc.ca. For news about this or other infrastructure projects in your area, please visit our public website at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rcinfrastructure.