A $5-billion construction project in Ottawa is on hold because of the truckers’ protest; that means tools are down and some workers are not getting paid.

The extensive construction operation on Parliament Hill that’s revitalizing and reworking Centre Block has been paused due to the ongoing “Freedom Convoy” protest that has gridlocked the national capital for almost two weeks.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) made the decision on Jan. 28 to close the site, citing the “safety and security” of workers.

At the time of its temporary closing, the average number of people working on the Centre Block construction site on a daily basis was between 350 and 400.

“They’re definitely not able to access that site,” John Bourke, with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) – Local 586 tells CTV News Ottawa. 

They represent approximately 25-30 electricians, who are part of the workers unable to access the job site.

Keep reading on CTV News