French River Dam complex
Portage Channel Bridge replacement project
Find key information about the Portage Channel Bridge replacement in the French River area of northeastern Ontario. Learn what the project includes, when construction will take place, how it may affect access, and how it will improve safety and reliability.
On this page
Project overview
- Location
- Dokis, Ontario
Locate the Portage Dam from the French River Dams Site on a map - Type of project
- Replacement
- Lead department
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Project status
- Design
- Next steps
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) plans to launch the tender for construction contract services in late 2026 or early 2027. Construction is expected to start in spring 2027.
Project description
The current Portage Channel bridge was built in 1986. It has reached the end of its service life.
PSPC must replace the bridge to maintain safe and reliable access for vehicles, including emergency and service vehicles.
PSPC will build a new bridge north of the existing one. The current bridge will stay open during construction.
Specialists will carry out environmental protection and archaeological work during the project.
After reviewing several options, PSPC selected a modern concrete bridge because it:
- improves safety
- lasts longer
- provides the best value for money
Photo gallery
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The existing Portage Channel Bridge in winter conditions. A steel-truss bridge crosses a partly frozen river, surrounded by snow covered rocks and tall evergreen trees.
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The Portage Channel Bridge crosses a calm river beside rocky terrain and dense evergreen forest under a bright sky.
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A water-monitoring station beside the Portage Channel Bridge. The metal bridge crosses a river beside rocky terrain and dense green forest.
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A view of the west abutment of the existing Portage Channel Bridge. The bridge is beside rocky banks and dense green forest.
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Key milestones
- Spring 2021: Established project needs
- Winter 2022: Project established
- Summer 2023: Awarded consultant contract
- Fall 2024: Started planning
- Summer 2026: Preparing design documents
- Fall 2026: Completing design work
- Late 2026: Launching the tender for construction contract services
- Early winter 2027: Tendering and awarding construction contract services
- Spring 2027: Starting construction
- Fall 2028: Completing substantial construction work
Benefits to Canadians
The project will:
- meet modern safety and engineering standards
- provide reliable year-round access
- support heavy and emergency vehicles, including:
- fire trucks
- ambulances
- fuel trucks
- service vehicles
- support the Dokis First Nation and opportunities for Indigenous participation in construction
- provide a 75-year service life, lowering long-term maintenance costs
- use materials designed to withstand climate and fire risks
Project background
The Portage Channel was created in 1949 during construction of the Portage Dam. The channel separated part of the Dokis First Nation’s reserve land. As a result, the bridge is the only road access to the eastern area of the territory.
The current bridge does not meet modern standards for:
- width
- load capacity
- long-term durability
Sharp turns at both ends also make it difficult for larger vehicles to cross.
The bridge is the only road connection to a large portion of the Dokis First Nation lands. Its condition affects:
- community safety
- emergency response
- economic activities, such as:
- forestry
- construction