Chaudière Crossing

Learn more about this important crossing that links communities from both sides of the Ottawa River, as well as the rehabilitation projects currently underway.

About the Chaudière Crossing

For over 200 years, the Chaudière Crossing has remained a critical link between Ottawa and Gatineau. It accommodates more than 15,000 vehicles every day. The Chaudière Crossing passes over the Ottawa River and several hydroelectric waterways. It unites the cities of Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario. This crossing links Eddy Street, in Gatineau, to Booth Street, in Ottawa.

Chaudière Crossing structures

The Chaudière Crossing is a complex structure consisting of 8 parts:

Bronson Channel Bridge Channel Bridge
Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge
Buchanan Channel Culvert
Union Bridge
Arch No. 1
Arch No. 3 (closed since 2017)
Hull Trestle (closed since 2017)
Hull Causeway Bridge

All the water in the Ottawa River flows under these 8 structures of the crossing and through a variety of waterways intended to harness the hydroelectric power of the river.

Overview of the Chaudière Crossing showing the 8 parts of its structure.

History of the Crossing

1828: The Chaudière Crossing is first opened to the public
1909: Construction of the Chaudière Ring Dam
1919: Replacement of Union Bridge structure with the actual through-truss structure
1956: Construction of the Hull Causeway Bridge
1976: Replacement of Bronson Channel Bridge
1978: Replacement of the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge
1978: Replacement of the Buchanan Channel Bridge by a Culvert
2011: Rehabilitation of Arch No. 1 and Arch No. 3
2013: Rehabilitation of Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge
2017: Arch No. 3 and Hull Trestle fully closed to traffic and active transportation
2024: Rehabilitation of Union Bridge and Widening of Hull Causeway Bridge

Current projects

Inspections and studies have determined that certain structures of the Chaudière Crossing need work to keep the crossing safe for users.

These projects fit into a broader effort to improve interprovincial transportation in the NCR. By protecting the structure against corrosion and improving the actual condition of the crossing, it will help ensure it remains in service for as long as possible.

Southern Structures Renewal Project

This project is currently in the Concept Design phase and will include the replacement of the Bronson Channel Bridge, and the rehabilitation of the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge and the Buchannan Channel Culvert. Construction work is currently expected to start in spring 2026 and be completed by fall 2027.

Chaudière Crossing: Southern Structures Renewal Project