Alexandra Bridge: Replacement project

Studies and reports

In 2022, a consulting and engineering company called Tetra Tech completed a feasibility study. The purpose of the study was to compare different scenarios and intervention methods to find out if it was possible to maintain the Alexandra Bridge for another 75 years. It assessed the feasibility, risks and impacts of maintaining the bridge.

The feasibility study determined that it was impossible to keep the existing Alexandra Bridge, regardless of its future use, whether the bridge is intended for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or any other future public transport option.

In 2018, a life cycle cost analysis also studied options for investing in the Alexandra Bridge over the long term. The study determined that replacing the bridge would be less disruptive to the public and more cost-effective than trying to maintain it.

Find more information on the various studies and reports on replacing the Alexandra Bridge.

New design

The Alexandra Bridge replacement will provide long-lasting benefits to the communities on both sides of the Ottawa River. The entire region will benefit from a safer, more reliable and more sustainable interprovincial bridge that will:

• improve vehicle traffic
• provide dedicated pedestrian and cyclist spaces
• commemorate the heritage of the existing Alexandra Bridge
• provide a safe and accessible route for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as sightseers
• provide generous space with well-defined and separated lanes for vehicles and active transportation

The new bridge will be designed in a way to avoid corrosion-prone details. This will help ensure it can be maintained in good condition for a longer period and serve many generations.

The bridge is expected to include 2 lanes for vehicle traffic (that could accommodate high-capacity transit in the future) and a by-directional cycleway separated from a large pedestrian space. It’s also expected to be wider than the current bridge, with clear separation of pedestrians and cyclists. And finally, it will include seating to provide safe rest points and locations to enjoy the view.

The new bridge design will pay careful attention to the history and unique setting of the existing Alexandra Bridge. We’re collaborating with heritage specialists and other stakeholders to preserve and commemorate the legacy of the bridge. A heritage impact analysis is underway. It will inform the project team on how heritage elements can be preserved or commemorated in the new bridge design. We are developing a Heritage Conservation Approach for the Alexandra Bridge, which is based on the preliminary Heritage Impact Analysis Report.

We’re also engaging with Indigenous communities about heritage, sustainability and potential impacts on the river and landscape.

Preferred design concept

In early 2025, the government identified the preferred design concept. The decision relied on a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process, supported by a diverse range of inputs, including feedback from the public, stakeholders, partners and Indigenous communities.

Feedback received from the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities allowed the integrated project team to identify common aspects that people appreciated or felt could be improved in the 3 concepts.

The concept design will undergo further refinement to integrate, where possible, elements that people appreciated about the other concepts and mitigate weaknesses identified during the evaluation process.

The chosen concept, called Motion, is inspired by the eel and pays homage to the dynamic and ever-changing movement of the river. Its 3 undulating arches, which define it, reference the river’s moving water, the contours of the shoreline and escarpment, and the curved façade of the Canadian Museum of History.

Its design complements the surrounding sites and natural landscape. The structure achieves a balance between transparency and mass, framing national symbols while also providing an engaging sequence of views both upstream and downstream.

Furthermore, the accessible viewing platforms establish a strong visual connection between the bridge and the river.

The 2 large central gathering spaces offer nearly twice the area of the other 2 concepts. Additionally, Motion has the flattest gradients and offers the shortest distances from the ends of the bridge to the gathering areas on the bridge, supporting universal accessibility.

Motion

For more information on each of the design concepts that were presented to the public in October 2024, visit the National Capital Commission (NCC) web page dedicated to the public consultations.

Process and timelines

The replacement of the Alexandra Bridge is a complex and large-scale project. The project will take place in 3 stages. Replacement work is estimated to begin in 2028, and we expect the new bridge to open in 2032.

1. Stage 1: Pre-planning (2019 to 2021)

   During the pre-planning stage, we:

   • shared project information and consulted on various aspects of the project, including:
     • public consultation 1a
     • public consultation 1b
     • expected benefits and how to mitigate potential impacts
   • developed the Planning and Design Principles
   • evaluated potential impacts to the public and stakeholders
   • assessed possible mitigation measures

2. Stage 2: Planning and design (2022 to 2025)

   In this stage, we completed the following key activities:

   • Developed the:
     • Detailed Project Description for the Alexandra Bridge replacement project
     • Performance Criteria for Bridge Design
     • design concepts
     • tool to assess if the concepts meet the requirements of the Performance Criteria for Bridge Design
   • submitted the Detailed Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
   • awarded a contract to Arup Canada Inc. for the professional services of a technical advisor to assist with developing design options and advancing environmental, ecological and heritage studies
   • launched the Public Advisory Group
   • assembled an independent review panel, which examined the concepts and provided advice on the design concepts
   • consulted with the public, stakeholders and partners, including Indigenous communities
   • completed the Heritage Impact Assessment, as well as economic, environmental and other studies, to inform the design development
   • assessed concepts against the assessment tool and kept a shortlist of 3 bridge concepts
   • assessed the 3 design concepts and identified the preferred concept
   • launched the progressive design-build procurement process through a request for qualifications

3. Stage 3: Procurement, final design and construction (2025 to 2032)

   The project is now in the procurement, final design and construction stage. In this stage, we’ll:

   • continue to advance the design
   • use the outcomes of the Heritage Impact Assessment, as well as economic, environmental and other studies, to inform the design development and meet the commitments made in the Detailed Project Description
   • continue to consult with the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities
   • advance the progressive design-build procurement process and award the contract
   • finalize the design
   • seek approval of the final design from the NCC Board of Directors, in accordance with the National Capital Act, as part of its regulatory federal approval authority
   • remove the existing bridge and build the new bridge

We’ll continue to assess and consider potential impacts of the project as the new bridge is designed and built, and the existing bridge is removed.

Engaging the public, partners and stakeholders

We’re working with partners and stakeholders to develop a plan that ensures impacts, such as economic, heritage and environmental ones, are studied and mitigated. Partners and stakeholders include the following:

• the NCC
• the City of Gatineau
• the City of Ottawa
• Indigenous communities
• the Province of Quebec
• the Province of Ontario

Public consultations are an important part of the project. We’ll continue to consult with the public, partners and stakeholders throughout the process to ensure the new bridge reflects Canadian values and identity in the spirit of reconciliation.

We’re working with the NCC to ensure that Indigenous communities can contribute their insights, knowledge and perspectives, and can share concerns and issues in a constructive and collaborative way.

The NCC has formed the Public Advisory Group to communicate with the integrated project team and the community during the Alexandra Bridge replacement project. This group is tasked with ensuring that a wide range of perspectives, community interests and stakeholder needs are not only represented but also given due consideration at every stage of the project’s life cycle. The group is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, expertise and a shared interest for the project.

The NCC is planning numerous rounds of public consultations, some of which are already completed. The consultations are in addition to the many studies and reports already completed. The results will help inform the team on various aspects of the project.

For information about the public consultations, visit the NCC's page about the Alexandra Bridge replacement project.

In addition to public consultations and engagement activities, the integrated project team continues to consult independent experts and advisors, including the Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty and the Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility, who provide feedback at key milestones to ensure the new bridge design will meet the highest possible standards and design criteria (PDF).

The integrated project team will ensure ideas from the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities continue to be taken into account.

Related links

• Alexandra Bridge
• Alexandra Bridge: Boardwalk and articulation repair project
• Government of Canada sets major milestones for replacement of Alexandra Bridge
• Bridges and crossings in the National Capital Region
• Lane reductions and closures on interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Alexandra Bridge
• National Capital Commission: Alexandra Bridge replacement

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada