A significant water main failure caused major disruptions in Ottawa's west end on Tuesday morning, forcing the closure of a key roadway during the morning commute.
Roadway Compromised, Closure in Effect
The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, leading to the immediate shutdown of eastbound Baseline Road at Fisher Avenue. City officials described the damage to the street as "serious," with the road surface itself being compromised by the break. Councillor Riley Brockington took to social media platform BlueSky to alert residents, stating the eastbound lanes would likely remain closed for several hours.
Repair Efforts Underway Amid Uncertainty
City crews were dispatched quickly to address the rupture and begin necessary repairs. However, authorities could not provide a concrete timeline for when the roadway might be safe to reopen. The city expressed hope that work could be completed in time for the evening rush hour, but this was not guaranteed. Residents and commuters were strongly advised to avoid the area entirely while repair teams worked.
Impact on Traffic and Commuters
The sudden closure during the morning rush hour created significant traffic snarls in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Drivers were forced to seek alternate routes, leading to increased congestion on parallel arteries. The city's focus remains on making a permanent repair to the broken watermain before addressing the full restoration of the road surface. Motorists are encouraged to continue checking official city channels for the latest updates on the reopening.
