Improving transportation and mobility in the National Capital Region
The Government of Canada is improving transportation and mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR) for current and future generations. Finding solutions for how people and goods can travel more efficiently and sustainably across the Ottawa River is critical for the long-term environmental, social and economic well-being of the National Capital Region.
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Ownership
The Government of Canada owns 5 interprovincial bridges and crossings that span the Ottawa River between Ontario and Quebec.
The crossings are vital links between Ottawa and Gatineau. In 2017, the 5 crossings carried close to 180,000 vehicles and buses every day. As well, 9,000 pedestrians and cyclists used them each day. In 2024, pedestrian daily usage reached a new peak at nearly 10,000.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is responsible for the:
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is responsible for the:
Our plan
In 2019, the government asked PSPC and the NCC to work together to improve crossings in the NCR. By 2050, we’ll provide well-connected and sustainable travel options.
The crossings system will support:
- active mobility (walking, cycling and other human-powered transportation)
- the safe and efficient movement of people and goods
It will do so while respecting the region’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
The Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan offers a vision and strategy for interprovincial transportation in the NCR. The NCC developed the plan in collaboration with federal, provincial and municipal partners, and in consultation with other stakeholders.
This plan guides our work to build a more sustainable transportation system in the NCR. It addresses the transportation challenges and uncertainties in the region, now and in the future.
The NCC is updating the plan after gathering important new transportation data. The update is expected to be completed in 2025. It will take into account the latest information, such as that from:
- the Origin-Destination Survey, conducted in 2022, which examines interprovincial travel patterns
- the report Interprovincial Truck Mobility Data Collection (PDF), conducted in 2023 and completed in July 2024
Our projects
We’re taking action to improve the transportation network crossing the Ottawa River. We’re working with partners and stakeholders, including the NCC, the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, and the Cities of Gatineau and Ottawa.
Repairing and maintaining bridges
Some crossings in the NCR are in need of repair. Find more information on our ongoing projects to ensure the crossings in the NCR are safe for users.
Alexandra Bridge
Chaudière Crossing
Macdonald-Cartier Bridge
An additional crossing in the National Capital Region
Learn about our work to plan for a new crossing between Ottawa and Gatineau. This project will help ease congestion for a growing population. The population in the area has doubled since the last crossing (the Portage Bridge) was built in 1973.
Keeping bridges safe
We have a rigorous regime of inspecting and monitoring our bridges and crossings so we can take action to repair them. We perform routine and scheduled inspections through:
- weekly and monthly maintenance inspections
- general inspections performed by engineers every year
- comprehensive detailed inspections performed by engineers every 4 years
- underwater inspections by PSPC every 4 years
On the Alexandra Bridge, a monitoring system also provides real-time data on the loads on the bridge.
If an inspection reveals any issues, PSPC takes immediate action to address and solve matters as quickly as possible. Our top priority is the safety of all users.
Lane closures
PSPC and the NCC are working together to coordinate construction schedules for each bridge to minimize disruption to the public.
To lessen commuting challenges during construction work, we’re also informing partners and stakeholders, such as the Cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Commuters can stay informed about the work through our web page on lane reductions and closures on interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region.
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