For another consecutive year, the intersection of Hunt Club Road and Riverside Drive has retained its notorious title as the most dangerous crossing in Ottawa. While data from 2025 shows a modest decline in collisions, the volume of incidents continues to outpace every other intersection in the city, keeping it firmly at the top of the list for safety concerns.
A Persistent Problem Despite Minor Improvements
According to the latest city data, the number of accidents recorded at Hunt Club and Riverside saw a slight decrease throughout 2025. However, this minor improvement was not enough to dislodge the intersection from its leading position for risk. The location has long been a focal point for traffic planners and emergency responders due to its complex layout and high traffic volume from both arterial roads.
The intersection serves as a major conduit for commuters traveling between south Ottawa communities and the downtown core, as well as a key route for commercial vehicles. This mix of traffic, combined with turning movements across multiple lanes, has historically created a challenging environment for drivers.
City Data Highlights Ongoing Safety Challenges
The ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of police-reported collision data compiled by the city. While the specific number of accidents for 2025 was not detailed in the initial report, authorities confirm the figure remains the highest among all monitored intersections. The types of collisions commonly reported include rear-end accidents, side-swipes during lane changes, and conflicts involving left-turning vehicles.
Ottawa's traffic safety officials have noted that interventions in recent years, including signal timing adjustments and enhanced signage, may have contributed to the slight decline. However, they acknowledge that more significant engineering changes or driver behavior shifts are likely needed to see a substantial drop in the collision rate.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Action
The consistent ranking of Hunt Club and Riverside as Ottawa's most dangerous intersection is expected to renew calls for more aggressive safety measures. Community associations and road safety advocates often point to such data when petitioning for infrastructure upgrades. Potential solutions discussed in the past have included dedicated turning lanes, improved lighting, and even consideration of a roundabout or partial grade separation.
As the city continues to grow, pressure mounts on municipal planners to address these persistent trouble spots. The data for 2025 serves as a clear indicator that while progress is being made, the intersection at Hunt Club Road and Riverside Drive remains a critical priority for Ottawa's road safety strategy in the coming years.
