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Chaudière Crossing: Southern Structures Renewal Project

We are working on a project to renew the Chaudière Crossing’s southern structures to make them safer and more reliable for current and future generations.

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Project overview

Location
National Capital Region
Type of project
Replacement and rehabilitation
Lead department
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Project status
Detailed design phase

Project description

The Chaudière Crossing, the oldest crossing in the National Capital Region, is a critical link between Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec. It is a complex infrastructure asset consisting of 8 structures and is among the 2 interprovincial truck routes.

The southern structures are designated as lifeline bridges, vital for the integrity of transportation for island residents and essential for emergency services access. These structures must remain in good condition at all times. They must resist potential earthquakes and other potential natural disasters. They also must ensure continuous service to residents, businesses and emergency responders.

Recent inspections and studies indicate that parts of the southern structures were found to be in poor condition. Repairs and replacement are needed to keep the crossing safe for users.

The Southern Structures Renewal Project will include replacement and rehabilitation work on the Bronson Channel Bridge, the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge and the Buchanan Channel Culvert. The work is anticipated to provide a minimum lifespan of 75 years for the replaced structures.

Image of the 8 structures of the crossing highlighting the southern structures, which are located on Booth Street in Ottawa
8 structures of the crossing highlighting the southern structures

The project scope includes work on the following structures:

Bronson Channel Bridge

The work on the superstructure and substructure elements includes:

  • replacing the deck, sidewalks and cycle tracks, barriers, pedestrian railings, pier and street lights
  • constructing new abutments behind the existing abutments
Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge

The superstructure will be replaced, including the:

  • deck
  • sidewalks and cycle tracks
  • barriers
  • pedestrian railings
  • street lights

The work on the substructure components includes:

  • rehabilitating the abutments and bearing seats
  • replacing all bearings
Buchanan Channel Culvert

The work on the Buchanan Channel Culvert includes:

  • rehabilitating the retaining walls and headwalls sidewalks and barrier walls
  • installing new pedestrian railings and new street lights

Key milestones

The structures have deteriorated over time. Based on risk and cost analyses, it was decided to advance rehabilitation and replacement work on the 3 structures to keep the crossing safe. The following timeline outlines the key milestones for the Southern Structures Renewal Project:

Impact on traffic and active transportation

Traffic delays and potential lane closures may occur during construction projects. We are working with partners and stakeholders to mitigate commuting challenges where possible.

The construction work is currently scheduled from spring 2026 to summer 2028. Two lanes of traffic are anticipated to remain open throughout construction, with one lane available in each direction at a reduced width. The full width of the crossing is expected to reopen to traffic in summer 2028.

We will provide information to commuters before work starts so they can consider alternative routes during construction periods. Stay informed about lane closures by following us on social media or visiting our web page on lane reductions and closures on interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region.

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Page details

2026-04-17