Unfortunately, this milestone doesn't mark the end of construction on the Elgin Street renewal project.

City of Ottawa celebrates Elgin Street reopening to traffic, December 16, 2019. Photo/ City of Ottawa

1 / 1 City of Ottawa celebrates Elgin Street reopening to traffic, December 16, 2019. Photo/ City of Ottawa

Downtown commuters, rejoice -- Elgin Street is once again open to traffic.

The vital downtown street has been closed to vehicular traffic since January 7 for construction.

OC Transpo routes 5, 14 and 114, that were temporarily detoured during the closure, have also returned to Elgin Street.

Unfortunately, this milestone doesn't mark the end of construction on Elgin Street. Work will resume early in 2020, with utility upgrades, including underground connections to properties and the removal of the existing wooden hydro poles along the west side of Elgin Street.

This will be followed by the installation of sidewalks, streetlights, public art, landscaping and top lift of asphalt.

The City of Ottawa will release further details on what to expect on Elgin Street in the lead up to the 2020 construction season in the new year.

Free parking will continue at City Hall until the end of October 2020.