Alexandra Bridge to reopen for cars Wed., Feb. 26
Drivers haven't been able to use the aging Ottawa River crossing for 18 months
The aging Alexandra Bridge over the Ottawa River is reopening to drivers at the end of February for the first time in about 18 months.
The bridge, one of five able to take vehicles between Ottawa and Gatineau, closed at the end of August 2023 for what was supposed to be one year of repair work.
That was extended by six months when workers discovered more severe corrosion than expected, according to Public Services and Procurement (PSPC) Canada.
It remained open to pedestrians.
The planned Feb. 26 reopening could change based on the weather, PSPC said Thursday. Heavy commercial vehicles will still have to use the Macdonald-Cartier or Chaudière bridges.
The current bridge, one of five crossings linking Ottawa and Gatineau, turns 124 this year and is at the end of its lifespan, according to the National Capital Commission (NCC), which has ruled out simply repairing the structure and chosen the design of its replacement.
Further public consultation is expected on the chosen design. Construction on a replacement bridge is expected to last from 2028 to 2032.