Richmond Road

As part of the O-Train West Extension, a tunnel between McEwen and Cleary Avenues had to be built under the Byron Linear Park. This meant digging up most of the park through this area as well as changes to Richmond Road. With the completion of the tunnel structure, work has begun to revitalize the park area and rebuild pedestrian and cyclist facilities on Richmond Road as part of the Richmond Road Complete Streets project.

Overview

Once complete, residents in the area will have access to two new O-Train stations, New Orchard and Sherbourne, as well as new connectivity enhancements and multi-functional community spaces.

The project will modernize approximately 2 kilometres of Richmond Road and Byron Linear Park between McEwen and Cleary Avenues. This initiative will enhance the area with new pedestrian and cyclist pathways, green spaces, benches, and other amenities, transforming it into a vibrant community hub.

Key improvements:

• Replacing aging underground utilities, such as water and sewer mains
• Reconfiguring Richmond Road for better alignment
• Enhancing safety and connectivity for both pedestrians and cyclists
• Introducing more trees
• Reducing pavement
• Featuring public art
• Creating additional plaza space for community events

This City of Ottawa project is being executed in partnership with the O-Train Extension and its contractor, EWC. By coordinating the street enhancements with utility replacements, we aim to minimize disruption for residents and businesses. The project is expected to be completed by 2028.

Project update

• In 2025, major progress was made on underground utilities on Richmond Road from McEwen Avenue to Cleary Avenue.
• By the end of 2025, Richmond Road will be in its final alignment from west of McEwen Avenue to near Ancaster Avenue.
• Remaining sidewalk work and hardscaping in these areas will be completed in 2026.
• In 2025, major work took place at the New Orchard/Richmond and Woodroffe/Richmond intersections.
• Deep utility work on Woodroffe Avenue at Richmond Road closed the road for the second half of 2025. Woodroffe Avenue is expected to reopen in late December, with shorter closures planned for 2026 to complete remaining work.
• In 2026, remaining utility work on Richmond Road is planned to be completed, along with utility and road work on Byron Avenue from Richardson Avenue to Compton Avenue.