Parkway Closed but Open

In an info-packed press release from the NCC we learn:

• the north loop will be open to cyclists & pedestrians but closed to cars
• cyclists & pedestrians can use it, but it will essentially be a cul-de-sac
• the closure will last through the whole summer
• official mountain biking trails open May 15
• cars will begin driving the other parts of the parkways after noon tomorrow
• everyone is reminded to share the road

Not only that, the NCC offered up this groovy aerial photo showing exactly where the erosion trouble lies (click for a bigger image). They also offer up this map to show what they mean by “the north loop” (it’s the green part); also known to skiers as “the doldrums” (and I’d love to know why).

Specifically they have this to say about that (bolding mine):

Due to the recent torrential downpour last April, the North Loop will remain closed to motor vehicle traffic until the end of the summer. The NCC will be undertaking repair and replacement work this summer to rehabilitate sections of the North.

The North Loop will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, however the roadway over the damaged culvert will remain closed to all traffic (vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) as it collapsed and continues to deteriorate with the rain.

The culvert crosses the North Loop section of the Gatineau Parkway, 100 meters north of Meech Lake Road, near parking lot P8.

Parking lots P8 and P9 will remain open to vehicles. However, the North Loop will not be accessible from parking lot P8.

Where applicable, we ask the public to please respect signage, barricades and fenced areas.