The City of Ottawa is moving forward with ambitious plans to completely redesign the problematic intersection at Bank Street and Leitrim Road, following growing concerns about safety and traffic flow in the rapidly developing area.
Current Safety Concerns Prompt Action
Municipal officials have identified the Bank-Leitrim intersection as a priority for infrastructure improvements after numerous safety incidents and increasing traffic volumes. The current configuration, marked in red on planning documents, has proven inadequate for handling the mix of vehicular, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic that uses this crucial transportation corridor daily.
The proposed redesign, outlined in green on planning documents, represents a significant departure from the existing layout and aims to address longstanding safety issues while accommodating future growth in the Leitrim community.
Comprehensive Redesign Details
While specific technical details of the proposed redesign remain under development, city transportation planners have indicated the project will incorporate modern traffic calming measures, improved pedestrian crossings, and enhanced cycling infrastructure. The $3.1 million budget allocation reflects the complexity of the project and the need for substantial physical changes to the intersection geometry.
Public consultation sessions are expected to begin in the coming months, allowing residents and commuters to provide input on the proposed changes. The consultation process will be critical for addressing local concerns and ensuring the final design meets community needs while improving overall traffic safety.
Broader Infrastructure Context
This intersection redesign forms part of Ottawa's broader commitment to upgrading municipal infrastructure across the city. The Bank Street corridor has seen significant residential and commercial development in recent years, necessitating corresponding improvements to transportation infrastructure.
The November 17, 2025 announcement signals the city's proactive approach to addressing traffic safety concerns before they escalate into more serious problems. Similar intersection redesign projects in other parts of Ottawa have demonstrated measurable improvements in safety metrics and traffic efficiency.
City staff will continue to refine the design proposals throughout the planning phase, with construction expected to commence following the completion of all necessary approvals and the public consultation process.
