Beyond here the road meets Library Dr. near the Rideau River. Here you have a clear view of the ancient steel bridge across the river. Ottawa West is best accessed from Scott Street. Park near the City Centre and go behind to see the tracks. There are often vagrants, junkies and prostitutes underneath the overpasses.
Mornings tend to be safer.
You can also see the bridge across the Ottawa River from the bicyle path which parallels the Ottawa River Parkway. The parkway offers no roadside parking, but will take you to a bridge to the Lemieux Island filtration plant. Access to the island may be limited, however. Next summer construction will begin on stations for Ottawa's light rail pilot project. A passing siding will be installed at Carleton University and track improvements are to be made on the entire line.