The National Capital Commission has chosen the design for the new Alexandra Bridge, reaching a major milestone in the redesign and development of the Ottawa-Gatineau bridge’s replacement.
The design, called “Motion”, features three arches meant to reflect the natural landscape and “gathering spots” for pedestrians to view the Ottawa River from the bridge.
The design is inspired by nature and “honours the efforts of Indigenous communities for the restoration of traditional habitats and their respected wisdom and dedication to reconciliation and reconnection to the Land,” the NCC said in a news release.
This design phase of the project will include public consultation and review in spring and summer of 2025 and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and representatives.
The requirements for the new bridge involve two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, that can be later adapted for a high-capacity transit system.
The bridge will also have a two-way lane for active transportation with pedestrians safely separated from cyclists.
The Motion concept was designed by a design team established by Arup Canada, with Knight Architects as the lead architects. Under the purview of both Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the NCC, the project is predicted to begin construction in 2028 and open in 2032.
The NCC has not yet released information on the cost and funding of the project and said it will continue to engage the public about possible impacts of construction, including noise, traffic and environmental impacts.
At over 120 years old, the current bridge is showing signs of wear, including corrosion that is weakening and deteriorating steel mechanisms.
The original bridge opened to the public in 1901, carrying trains, electric streetcars, horses and wagons and pedestrians and, at the time, was the longest cantilevered span in Canada and the largest steel structure built in North America. It is not a National Heritage Site and due to its current condition was added to the National Trust for Canada’s Endangered Places List.
