Alexandra Bridge reopens to vehicles for first time since October 2023

The Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River connects Sussex Drive in Ottawa to Des Allumettières Boulevard in Gatineau. (Kimberley Fowler/CTV News Ottawa)

Motorists can now drive across the Alexandra Bridge for the first time in 17 months.

The interprovincial bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau reopened to vehicle traffic Tuesday afternoon, one day ahead of schedule. Public Services and Procurement Canada confirmed to CTV News Ottawa the bridge opened early.

The bridge had been closed to vehicle traffic since October 2023 for essential rehabilitation and repair work. The bridge was originally scheduled to open last fall, but the closure was extended to complete the work.

“Repair work on the bridge structure carried out as part of the boardwalk and articulation repair project will allow the bridge to remain in safe service until it is replaced,” the government said. “PSPC has a rigorous inspection, monitoring and maintenance program to ensure that all its bridges and crossings remain safe at all times for users.”

Load restrictions on the Alexandra Bridge will remain in effect, with a maximum of 27 tonnes on the vehicle lanes and 5 tonnes on the boardwalk lane.

“Commercial vehicles must use the two bridges designated for commercial vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR): the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and the Chaudière Crossing,” PSPC said in a statement.

The Alexandra Bridge boardwalk and articulation repair project is a $32.6 million project to extend the life of the interprovincial bridge. Officials say the repair work completed on the bridge, including the truss members and the boardwalk lane, will allow the bridge to continue to “be used safely” until it’s replaced.

• This is the design for the new Alexandra Bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau

The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada have launched work to replace the 120-year-old Alexandra Bridge, with replacement work expected to begin in 2028 and the bridge opening in 2032.

Officials have said the ongoing repairs will allow the Alexandra Bridge to reopen open until the start of construction in 2028.

Last month, the NCC and PSPC unveiled the chosen design for the new interprovincial bridge, called “Motion.” The concept is inspired by nature and the eel that is one of the native species of the Ottawa River.

The Alexandra Bridge, which was built in 1901, is one of five interprovincial bridges connecting Ottawa and Gatineau.