Alexandra Bridge: Replacement project

The Alexandra Bridge is a vital link within the National Capital Region. The bridge is part of the Confederation Boulevard and plays a key role in the region’s transportation network. It’s used by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Learn about our project to replace this important bridge.

Project overview

Location: Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario
Type of project: Replacement
Lead department: Public Services and Procurement Canada
Project status: Procurement, final design and construction
Next steps: Construction

Project description

The existing Alexandra Bridge is over 120 years old. The bridge has reached the end of its service life and will be replaced starting in 2028. Due to its deteriorating condition, the government mandated Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2019, to replace it.

The decision to replace the bridge was made after careful study. We commissioned many reports and studies on replacing the Alexandra Bridge, which helped us make evidence-based decisions and plans.

Find more information on the state of the Alexandra Bridge before its replacement.

Explore the new bridge design

The new bridge design pays careful attention to the history and unique setting of the existing Alexandra Bridge.

In January 2025, the project reached a new milestone when the National Capital Commission (NCC) Board of Directors granted an initial Federal Land Use and Design Approval for the preferred concept. Called Motion, the design is inspired by nature and pays homage to the dynamic and ever-changing movement of the river. Its 3 undulating arches reference the:

river’s moving water
contours of the shoreline and escarpment
curved façade of the Canadian Museum of History

Its design complements the surrounding sites and natural landscape, which:

achieves a balance between transparency and mass
frames national symbols
offers an engaging sequence of views both upstream and downstream

The new bridge is expected to include:

accessible viewing platforms that establish a strong visual connection between the bridge and the river
flatter gradients and shorter distances from the ends of the bridge to the gathering areas, which supports universal accessibility
a wider surface than the current bridge, with a clear separation of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
2 lanes for vehicular traffic that could accommodate high-capacity transit in the future
a by-directional cycleway
seating to provide safe rest points and locations to enjoy the view

We’re collaborating with heritage specialists and other stakeholders to preserve and commemorate the legacy of the bridge.

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

Images gallery

The following are concept images of the new bridge. The design will continue to be refined so it takes into consideration feedback from:

public consultations
Indigenous communities
advisory committees

In the foreground, we can see the trails of Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau and lush vegetation. In the background, we can see the bridge with its 3 undulating arches spanning the Ottawa River.

Overhead view of the lookout space, featuring seating areas and people walking through the space and sitting down to enjoy the view. The Gatineau skyline and Jacques Cartier Park are in the background.

The bridge's cycle path from a cyclist's perspective. The bridge features curved structures and wooden protective barriers. In the background, there are buildings, streetlights, and red banners hanging from the bridge posts

People are walking on the pedestrian access to the bridge. The bridge railing is in the foreground. There are green spaces with flowers. The Ottawa skyline is visible in the background

The upper lane is reserved for motorized vehicles. The middle lane is reserved for cyclists. The lower lane is a pedestrian lane where you can walk and sit on benches. Each lane is separated by barriers.

In the foreground is a path used for walking, cycling and scooter riding. Flowers and trees line the path. In the distance, the city skyline can be seen.

Project timelines

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

The project is taking place in 3 stages. We’re currently in the last stage of the project before its construction.

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 (PDF)
- public consultation 1b (PDF)
- expected benefits and how to mitigate potential impacts
developed the Planning and design principles (PDF)
evaluated potential impacts to the public and stakeholders
assessed possible mitigation measures

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 the bridge design (PDF)
- design concepts
- tool to assess if the concepts meet the requirements of the performance criteria for the bridge design (PDF)
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
- Public Consultation Round 2 report (PDF)
- Public Participation Round 3 report (PDF)
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 concepts
assessed the 3 design concepts and identified the preferred design concept
launched the progressive design-build procurement process through a request for qualifications

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:

use the outcomes of the Heritage Impact Assessment, as well as economic, environmental and other studies, to inform the design development
ensure the design meets the commitments made in the detailed project description
continue to consult with the public, Indigenous communities and stakeholders
update the design
advance the progressive design-build procurement process and award the contracts
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. We will also evaluate impacts as the existing bridge is removed.

Public and stakeholder engagement

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

The NCC is leading public consultations for the project. The results of the following help inform the team on various aspects of the project:

public consultations activities
the Public Advisory Group
many studies and reports

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. These include the Advisory Committee on Planning, Design and Realty and the Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility. Both committees provide feedback at key milestones to ensure the new bridge design will meet the highest possible standards and design criteria (PDF).

Benefits of the new bridge

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

The new bridge 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 vehicular 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

Page details

2025-10-10

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