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.

Project overview

Location

National Capital Region
Locate the Chaudière Crossing on a map

Type of project

Replacement and rehabilitation

Lead department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Project status

Concept design phase

Project description

The Chaudière Crossing, the oldest crossing in the National Capital Region, remains a critical link between Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec. It is a complex infrastructure asset consisting of 8 structures. Recent inspections and studies show that the southern structures of the Chaudière Crossing need repair and replacement work to keep the crossing safe for users.

The southern structures renewal project will encompass bridge replacement and rehabilitation work to be completed on the following structures:

1. Bronson Channel Bridge
2. Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge
3. Buchanan Channel Culvert

The work will provide a minimum lifespan of 75 years. The project scope includes:

• replacing the Bronson Channel Bridge superstructure and substructure, such as:
  • the deck
  • sidewalks
  • barriers
  • the pier
  • abutments
  • the topping slab of the deck
  • the waterproofing
  • the asphalt surface
  • lights
• rehabilitating the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge structure, including:
  • abutments
  • bearings
  • sidewalks
  • pedestrian railings
  • streetlights
  • drains
• rehabilitating the Buchanan Channel Culvert, including:
  • retaining walls
  • headwalls
  • barrier walls and pedestrian railings
  • the lighting system

Key milestones

• 2021 to 2023: A feasibility study and concept design were completed to better understand options for rehabilitation or replacement of the 3 structures mentioned above

Due to the deterioration of the structures, and following risk and cost analyses, it was recommended to advance rehabilitation and replacement work on the 3 structures to keep the crossing safe.

• Spring 2026: Construction work is expected to start
• Fall 2027: Construction is expected to be complete

Impact on traffic and active transportation

Potential lane closures may occur during construction projects. We are working with partners and stakeholders to ensure commuting challenges are mitigated. We will provide information to commuters once the 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.

Related links

• Chaudière Crossing
• Government of Canada announces contract awards for future work to improve crossings in National Capital Region
• Request for proposal: Professional engineering services
• 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: Chaudière Crossing (Quebec side)
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Chaudière Crossing (Ontario side)