Macdonald-Cartier Bridge

This important crossing links communities from both sides of the Ottawa River. Projects are underway to keep the bridge in service for generations to come.

About the bridge

The Macdonald-Cartier Bridge is a major urban transportation link between the cities of Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec. It spans the Ottawa River, connecting King Edward Avenue in Ottawa to Highway 5 in Gatineau, and has an average annual daily traffic volume of over 70,000 vehicles.

Photo gallery

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Current projects

We monitor the condition of the bridge through yearly inspections to ensure it continues to be in good condition, remains safe and serves future generations. Recent inspections and studies determined that certain components of the bridge need repair.

Project to renew the wearing surface and girder coating

This project fits into a broader effort to improve interprovincial transportation in the National Capital Region. To keep the bridge safe, proactive repair work is needed.

The repair work will protect the structure against corrosion, ensure proper stewardship of this engineering asset and improve the condition of the bridge so it can be used for as long as possible. It includes:

• replacing the asphalt surface
• repairing the joints
• coating the structural steel
• rehabilitating a pier below the waterline
• improving the slope at the Ontario abutment

This project is now in the planning phase.

While the exact timelines are still to be confirmed, we are expecting that the:

• construction work will start in 2025
• project will be complete in 2027

Project to strengthen the steel structure

This project aims to strengthen the bridge structure to meet bridge code requirements. As part of the project, we will also install new energy distribution conduits. They will be suspended under the bridge as part of the Energy Services Acquisition Program. The scope of work includes: 

• installing braces inside girders
• reinforcing the girders and other components
• installing new water distribution conduits under the bridge
• changing abutments and wing walls

The construction started in 2021 and is expected to be completed in winter 2025.

Impact on traffic

Lanes may be temporarily closed during construction projects. We are working with partners and stakeholders to mitigate commuting challenges. 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.

History of the bridge

• 1965: construction of the original bridge
• 1986: major rehabilitation of the deck and expansion joints
• 1994 to 1996: recoating of the bridge’s steel structure
• 2006: rehabilitation of asphalt wearing surface
• 2016: major rehabilitation work including:
  • deck widening to accommodate wider travel lanes, sidewalks and traffic barriers
  • piers and abutments
  • replacement of roadway lights
  • seismic retrofit of the bridge to meet current standards
• 2021 to 2025: rehabilitation of the steel girders and installation of suspended water distribution conduits

Related links

• Request for proposal: Professional engineering services
• Government of Canada announces contract awards for future work to improve crossings in National Capital Region
• Bridges and crossings in the National Capital Region
• Lane reductions and closures on interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada