Here's where you can and can't go in downtown Ottawa

Even as businessesreopenedand residents began to move morefreely around Ottawa's downtown after the occupation of some streets, police checkpoints and barricades remain.

The protesters, some of whom called for an end to vaccine mandates, first rolled into town with the so-called Freedom Convoy Jan. 28,blocking roads and forcing the Rideau Centre and numerous other businesses to close their doors.

Police say they will remain in the area until they're certain the protesters won't return, and that's limiting movement. Here's a look at where you currently can and can't go in Ottawa's downtown.

Road closures

All five bridges over the Ottawa River are open, though there is a southbound lane closure on the Portage Bridge. All Queensway exits are now open.

Police restricted the area betweenLaurierAvenue, Bronson Avenue, the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill to local traffic on Wednesday evening because of hazardous road conditions from snow and any remaining barriers from the protest.

The city indicated Friday morning that on Bank and Metcalfestreets, people can go up to Slater Street before seeing a checkpoint. The Mackenzie King Bridge is also open again westbound.

While officers remain stationed in the area, they're no longer considering it a secure zone. Anyone headed into the area can expect to be stopped and asked where they're going.

Sparks Street reopened to pedestrians on Tuesday, but only parliamentary employees are allowed north of the pedestrian area.

The western end Rideau Streetis no longer listed asclosed.The Queen Elizabeth Driveway is closed from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street West.

Transit

Detours for OC Transpo buses have changedto match the shrinking checkpoint zone.

Several routes that use downtown streets are temporarily free. On Wednesday city councilexpandedthatto includethe Confederation Line along with free parking incity lots.

The last day of free transit is March 26. The last day of free parking is March 31.

The last update from theSocit de transport de l'Outaouaiscame Tuesday, when it said the only connection to Ottawa would be between Pimisi station andTerrasses de la Chaudire.