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A six-week closure of O’Connor Street in the heart of Centretown will force southbound motorists to find alternate routes during the afternoon rush.

The city announced on Wednesday that it will close O’Connor Street between Laurier Avenue and Somerset Street on Monday so manhole covers can be reconstructed at the intersections of Gloucester, Nepean, Lisgar and Cooper streets. The manholes are on the west side of O’Connor Street.

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O’Connor Street isn’t expected to reopen until March 2.

According to the city, the O’Connor Street bike lanes will stay open. Pedestrians will also have access through O’Connor Street. There will be some sidewalk closures on the west side of the street, the city says.

There will be local access on O’Connor Street for homes and businesses.

The city is encouraging motorists to find other ways to get through downtown.

Detour signs will take motorists around the closure via Laurier Avenue, Elgin Street and Somerset Street. The existing parking restrictions on those streets will remain. The city will install “no stopping” signs on O’Connor, Gloucester, Nepean, Lisgar and Cooper streets. Bylaw officers will crack down on scofflaw motorists.

O’Connor Street is one-way southbound for vehicles. It provides a direct connection from downtown to Highway 417.

Considering the other LRT-related work in the core, it could be a tough afternoon commute for motorists during the O’Connor Street closure.

jwilling@postmedia.com

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