News Release
Published on November 3, 2020
Canada’s Capital Region—The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) today launched the first phase of public consultations on the replacement of Alexandra Bridge, one of five interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region. We invite all Canadians to participate in this online public consultation from November 3, 2020, to November 17, 2020.
The objective of this first consultation is to give the public an opportunity to:
- learn about the Alexandra Bridge replacement project
- share thoughts and concerns about how they feel they could be affected by the project
- propose ideas to enhance any benefits or minimize any adverse effects related to the project
- share thoughts on design guidelines for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge
- propose ideas as to how they think the history and built heritage of the bridge should be celebrated after its replacement.
Public engagement for this project will include several phases of public consultation at key stages of the planning and design process.
This project presents a unique opportunity to reimagine this vital connection between Ottawa and Gatineau, which offers one of the region’s most breathtaking views of Parliament. Located in the heart of the Capital on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe, the Alexandra Bridge occupies a space rich in symbolism and history.
Process and timelines
The replacement of Alexandra Bridge will take place in three phases.
Phase 1: Project pre-planning stage (2020–2021)
- Develop vision and design guidelines
- First public consultation: design guidelines, potential impacts and mitigation
Phase 2: Project delivery stage (2021–2025)
- Development of design options
- Second public consultation: conceptual design options and evaluation
- Third public consultation: preliminary design
- Forth public consultation: final design
Phase 3: Procurement and implementation (2025–2032)
The entire design and construction process will span approximately 10 years. Site work is scheduled to begin in 2028, and construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed by 2032.
About the Alexandra Bridge
- The bridge spans the Ottawa River from Nepean Point, west of Ottawa’s ByWard Market, to the Canadian Museum of History in the Hull district of Gatineau
- Its usage represents approximately 9 percent of the average daily interprovincial vehicle traffic and about 33 percent of all pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
- At 120 years old, the current bridge has reached the end of its life cycle, and is currently undergoing repairs that will allow it to stay in service for another 10 years.
About the Long-Term Interprovincial Integrated Crossings Plan
The Alexandra Bridge replacement project is part of a broader effort to improve interprovincial transportation in the National Capital Region. As directed by the 2019 federal budget, the NCC is currently developing a Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan, which will provide a strategic framework, from now to 2050, to best manage congestion across the Ottawa River.
Media Information
Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca