Oof...Just saw this meme. Are we going to regret our 'fish bones' bridge?
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Alexandra Bridge Replacement
- Thread starter J.OT13
- Start date
From the NCC Board Meeting, 100% design. Having trouble seeing the difference from what they presented last time.
RFP out now and will be awarded in Spring for a 2028 start date (demo I assume).
Bridge will be slightly north of the current bridge and it seems the grades might be less steep. Leaving space on the Hull side for a future monument. Stones from the old bridge's piers will be reused will be used on abutment walls on both sides.
NCC Board Meeting recap page with documents and presentations: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/virtual-board-of-directors-meeting-january-2026
Full presentation 32:40 mark.
RFP out now and will be awarded in Spring for a 2028 start date (demo I assume).
Bridge will be slightly north of the current bridge and it seems the grades might be less steep. Leaving space on the Hull side for a future monument. Stones from the old bridge's piers will be reused will be used on abutment walls on both sides.
NCC Board Meeting recap page with documents and presentations: https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/events/virtual-board-of-directors-meeting-january-2026
Full presentation 32:40 mark.
pgagnon
Active Member
Yes, look a lot more flat and less steep than the current bridge. I really hope they follow through with the lighting, that would look very nice at night.
Dzingle Bells
Active Member
TONS of technical drawings here - https://ncc-website-2.s3.amazonaws....lacement-Project-Schematic-Design-Jan2026.pdf. Gives you an idea of some of the details they are thinking about.
also, someone from the design team went to Oulo, Finland... the hartaansilta bridge from there
also, someone from the design team went to Oulo, Finland... the hartaansilta bridge from there
From Ontario Construction News:
By Mark Buckshon
February 2, 2026
https://ontarioconstructionnews.com...bridge-sets-stage-for-2028-construction-start
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has formally approved the schematic design for the Alexandra Bridge replacement, locking in the vision for the capital’s next major infrastructure landmark and clearing the way for detailed engineering to begin.
At its board meeting on Jan. 22, the NCC granted federal land use and design approval to the “Motion” concept—a structure featuring three undulating arches inspired by the Ottawa River’s currents and the American eel.
The approval is a pivotal milestone for the massive project, transitioning it from conceptual debate to the hard reality of procurement and construction. With the design vision fixed, the focus now shifts to selecting the builders who will dismantle the 125-year-old steel truss bridge and erect its modern successor.
“The schematic design establishes the overall vision for the project before moving into more detailed design development and construction,” the NCC said in a statement following the approval. “This federal land use and design approval will allow the integrated project team and the future design-build partner to continue preparatory work needed to advance toward construction.”
A defining new silhouette
The approved “Motion” design features a signature central arch flanked by two smaller secondary arches, creating a rhythmic profile that aims to complement, rather than compete with, the views of Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History.
Key features of the approved schematic include:
The race to build
With the design set, the construction industry is now vying for the contract to deliver the project. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is currently managing a Request for Proposals (RFP) process with three pre-qualified consortia.
The shortlist of proponents, updated as of October 2025, features major international and domestic heavy hitters:
Timeline and controversy
Despite the forward momentum, the project remains contentious. Heritage advocacy groups, including the Alexandra Bridge Coalition, have campaigned vigorously to save the existing structure, arguing it could be rehabilitated.
However, the NCC and PSPC have held firm on the replacement strategy, citing irreversible structural deterioration and the need for a safer, more functional crossing.
The current schedule outlines a busy few years ahead:
The project is led by PSPC in collaboration with the NCC, which holds authority over federal land use and design in the capital region.
NCC gives final nod to ‘Motion’ schematic design for Alexandra Bridge; sets stage for 2028 construction start
By Mark Buckshon
February 2, 2026
https://ontarioconstructionnews.com...bridge-sets-stage-for-2028-construction-start
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has formally approved the schematic design for the Alexandra Bridge replacement, locking in the vision for the capital’s next major infrastructure landmark and clearing the way for detailed engineering to begin.
At its board meeting on Jan. 22, the NCC granted federal land use and design approval to the “Motion” concept—a structure featuring three undulating arches inspired by the Ottawa River’s currents and the American eel.
The approval is a pivotal milestone for the massive project, transitioning it from conceptual debate to the hard reality of procurement and construction. With the design vision fixed, the focus now shifts to selecting the builders who will dismantle the 125-year-old steel truss bridge and erect its modern successor.
“The schematic design establishes the overall vision for the project before moving into more detailed design development and construction,” the NCC said in a statement following the approval. “This federal land use and design approval will allow the integrated project team and the future design-build partner to continue preparatory work needed to advance toward construction.”
The approved “Motion” design features a signature central arch flanked by two smaller secondary arches, creating a rhythmic profile that aims to complement, rather than compete with, the views of Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History.
Key features of the approved schematic include:
- Wider deck: Expanded capacity for active transportation, with a central lane for potential future transit and generous separated paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Public spaces: “Lookout” areas integrated into the bridge deck, designed to serve as destinations for viewing the capital skyline.
- Heritage nods: While the old bridge will be removed, the new design incorporates interpretive elements to honour the legacy of the original 1901 railway crossing.
The race to build
With the design set, the construction industry is now vying for the contract to deliver the project. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is currently managing a Request for Proposals (RFP) process with three pre-qualified consortia.
The shortlist of proponents, updated as of October 2025, features major international and domestic heavy hitters:
- Alexandra Legacy Partners: A team including Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc., Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Parsons Inc., Pomerleau Major Projects Inc., and T.Y. Lin International Canada Inc.
- Capital Crossing Constructors: Comprising AECOM Canada ULC, Samsung C&T Corporation, and Webuild S.p.A.
- Epoch Pathway Ontario-Québec Partners: Featuring Flatiron Dragados Canada Inc., EBC Inc., Construction Demathieu & Bard Inc., Hatch Ltd., and Carlos Fernandez Casado S.L.
Despite the forward momentum, the project remains contentious. Heritage advocacy groups, including the Alexandra Bridge Coalition, have campaigned vigorously to save the existing structure, arguing it could be rehabilitated.
However, the NCC and PSPC have held firm on the replacement strategy, citing irreversible structural deterioration and the need for a safer, more functional crossing.
The current schedule outlines a busy few years ahead:
- Spring 2026: Expected selection of the design-build partner.
- 2026-2028: Detailed design development and site preparation.
- 2028: Construction begins, starting with the demolition of the existing bridge.
- 2032: Targeted opening of the new Alexandra Bridge.
The project is led by PSPC in collaboration with the NCC, which holds authority over federal land use and design in the capital region.
pgagnon
Active Member
Am I the only one who thinks > 6 years to replace a bridge is crazy?
Do you think that's a long or short timeline?
It's a 4 year replacement project, not 6, and that includes demolition and reconstruction on the same site. Seems pretty quick to me.
pgagnon
Active Member
Hasnt this project technically started a year or two ago with consultations and choosing a design? So from the very start to the end, it will be around 8 years (in my opinion is way too long). I'm not commenting on the actual tearing down and construction (slated for 4 years) but the total length from start to finish.
Wait until you hear about the Kettle Island Bridge
I was gonna say. Alexandra has gone lightning speed compared to Kettle,.Wait until you hear about the Kettle Island Bridge
Eight years from start to finish is impressive. A residential tower is probably around 6 years from conception to completion. The O-Train was about a decade. New Civic Hospital will probably have been 12 years. Crosstown in Toronto is 15 years in, construction only. Don't get me started on the new Gatineau Hospital.