Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project

The Alexandra Bridge has been a distinctive feature of the Ottawa–Gatineau skyline for over 120 years. The 575m-long, five-span steel truss bridge crosses between Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) in Ottawa to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.

Originally built for heavy rail and other modes of transportation, the bridge is a key interprovincial link for motorists and provides almost 40% of pedestrian and cyclist crossings of the Ottawa River (Kichi Sibi) within the National Capital Region. Located on ancestral Algonquin territory, it forms part of a unique cultural, archaeological and landscape setting within a rich heritage context of high significance. The iconic structure is reaching the end of its service life and its replacement is planned.

In May 2023 an Arup-led team with Knight Architects as Lead Bridge Architect was appointed as Technical Advisor to develop this unique project. The team will support Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), working with the National Capital Commission (NCC) as part of an integrated project team, in coordinating and completing several economic, heritage and environmental studies, as well as developing the conceptual designs of the new bridge.

In January 2025 the National Capital Commission - Commission de la capitale nationale (NCC) Board of Directors granted an initial Federal Land Use, Design, and Transaction (FLUDTA) Approval for the 'Motion' concept for the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge linking Ottawa and Gatineau. This significant milestone paves the way for the further development of this new national landmark, which will create a sustainable interprovincial transportation connection that will prioritize active mobility and highlight the symbolic importance of the site to all Canadians for generations to come.