Protest convoy reaches Ottawa — here's what to expect on the roads

Good morning commuters!

It's not going to be a fun day to try to get around Centretown.

Hundreds of pro-pipeline protesters have made their way from Arnprior to Parliament Hill via Highway 417.

A counter-protest is also planned.

The convoy aimed to arrive at Hill by noon, so they're early — they started arriving at about 9:30 a.m.

CBC Politics has a crew with them.

The city is planning to close Wellington Street between Kent and Elgin streets starting at 8 a.m. through the afternoon rush hour both today and tomorrow.

It's open eastbound as far as O'Connor Street today now that the vehicles have arrived.

Commuters are encouraged to consider alternate routes, or walking, biking or telecommuting.

The city is also warning people to expect delays and detours on OC Transpo.

Its buses have been moved from Wellington Street to Queen Street, for example.

The STO has a few stops not in service: if you're going to Gatineau between about 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., you'll have to catch your bus at Rideau and Cumberland streets or at the Supreme Court.

Going from Gatineau to Ottawa you'll have to get off the bus at the intersection of Wellington and Lyon streets or at Rideau and Waller streets.

I'll be making some calls, so check back here for updates.

I'd say avoid Centretown after 10 a.m. today.

Have a great day!

If you have a traffic or commuter gripe about driving, cycling or being a pedestrian commuter — anything from problem intersections, to parking, to inefficient routes — send it to Doug at​ doug.hempstead@cbc.ca.

And remember, you can share what you see on the roads with me on Twitter at @cbcotttraffic. Or give me a ring at 613-288-6900.

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