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.
On this page
Project overview
- Location
- National Capital Region
- Type of project
- Replacement and rehabilitation
- Lead department
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Project status
- Construction
Project description
The Chaudière Crossing, the oldest crossing in the National Capital Region, is a critical link between Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec. It is a complex infrastructure asset consisting of 8 structures and is among the 2 interprovincial truck routes.
The southern structures are designated as lifeline bridges, vital for the integrity of transportation for island residents and essential for emergency services access. These structures must remain in good condition at all times. They must resist potential earthquakes and other potential natural disasters. They also must ensure continuous service to residents, businesses and emergency responders.
Recent inspections and studies indicate that parts of the southern structures were found to be in poor condition. Repairs and replacement are needed to keep the crossing safe for users.
The Southern Structures Renewal Project will include replacement and rehabilitation work on the Bronson Channel Bridge, the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge and the Buchanan Channel Culvert. The work is anticipated to provide a minimum lifespan of 75 years for the replaced structures.
The project scope includes work on the following structures:
Bronson Channel Bridge
The work on the superstructure and substructure elements includes:
- replacing the deck, sidewalks and cycle tracks, barriers, pedestrian railings, pier and street lights
- constructing new abutments behind the existing abutments
Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge
The superstructure will be replaced, including the:
- deck
- sidewalks and cycle tracks
- barriers
- pedestrian railings
- street lights
The work on the substructure components includes:
- rehabilitating the abutments and bearing seats
- replacing all bearings
Buchanan Channel Culvert
The work on the Buchanan Channel Culvert includes:
- rehabilitating the retaining walls and headwalls sidewalks and barrier walls
- installing new pedestrian railings and new street lights
Key milestones
The structures have deteriorated over time. Based on risk and cost analyses, it was decided to advance rehabilitation and replacement work on the 3 structures to keep the crossing safe. The following timeline outlines the key milestones for the Southern Structures Renewal Project:
- 2021 to 2023: Structural evaluations, a feasibility study and a concept design were completed to assess options for rehabilitation or replacement of the 3 structures
- Summer 2024: A contract was awarded to Parsons Inc. for professional engineering services, including the detailed design of the Southern Structures Renewal Project
- Winter 2025 to 2026: A construction management contract was awarded to Pomerleau Inc.
- Spring 2026: Construction work began
- Summer 2028: Construction is expected to be completed
Impact on traffic and active transportation
PSPC is working in close coordination with the Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project to minimize transportation network impacts across the National Capital Region. Construction work is underway and will continue into summer 2028. Two lanes of traffic are anticipated to remain open throughout construction, with one lane available in each direction at a reduced width. The full width of the crossing is expected to reopen to traffic in summer 2028. However, for a few sensitive or higher-risk activities, temporary full closures of the crossing may be required, typically scheduled overnight or on weekends to minimize disruption
We will provide information to commuters before 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
- Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project
- Government of Canada announces contract awards for future work to improve crossings in National Capital Region
- Request for proposal: Professional engineering services
- Request for proposal: Construction management services for the Chaudière Crossing Southern Structures Renewal
- Bridges and crossings in the National Capital Region
- Directory of Federal Real Property: Chaudière Crossing (Quebec side)
- Directory of Federal Real Property: Chaudière Crossing (Ontario side)