Project Description
This Preliminary Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study involves the conceptual design of a new interchange around the intersection of Highway 416 and Barnsdale Road in the City of Ottawa. Currently, an overpass carries traffic east-west along Barnsdale Road, over Highway 416. The intersection's current configuration does not allow for any entry to, or exit from, Highway 416.
The proposed interchange improvements are to occur to an existing transportation facility (Highway 416), which are intended to accommodate movements in all directions, and to address increased traffic demands, and operational and safety concerns. As such, it is classified as a Group B Project under the MTO Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000).
The purpose of the Class EA Study is to identify a Recommended Plan for a new interchange as part of the Ministry's ongoing review of safety and operational needs for the provincial highway network. The proposed (new) interchange would accommodate traffic movements in all directions by providing entry and exit from both the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 416, and is intended to address increased traffic demands, and operational and safety concerns.
The details of the proposed work will be further developed as the Preliminary Design progresses and will be presented to the general public, Indigenous Communities, provincial and other external agencies, Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), municipalities, emergency services providers (i.e., fire, police and ambulance), local businesses and property owners, interest groups and utility companies (collectively referred to as interested and / or affected stakeholders) at a future Public Information Centre (PIC). The first PIC was made available on April 8, 2022. Details regarding the timing of a second PIC will be announced on a future date.
Project Background
The City of Ottawa approached the Ministry with a conceptual design of an interchange at the Barnsdale Road intersection of Highway 416, which necessitated a Geometric Feasibility Study to develop and evaluate interchange alternatives based on two-dimensional geometric design elements outlined in the TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads (June 2017) and the MTO Design Supplement for TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads (June 2017). The Ministry will collaborate with the City of Ottawa in this Study to assess interim and ultimate design alternatives and establish the footprints for an efficient design of the interchange. The Preliminary Design Study results will inform the phasing and implementation of future Detail Design and construction work.
Contact the Project Team if you wish to submit questions or comments regarding the project.