Question Period Note: Alexandra Bridge

Public Services and Procurement Canada is replacing the Alexandra Bridge as part of its responsibility to maintain and renew interprovincial infrastructure in the National Capital Region.

Note: Please refer to key messages in High Priority files with the National Capital Commission for information on the design for the replacement bridge.

• The Alexandra Bridge is considered a vital link for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. After over 120 years of use, it is due for replacement. The new bridge will improve active transportation capacity and safety, and may support high-capacity transit in the future
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada is working in collaboration with the National Capital Commission to design a replacement and construct for the Alexandra Bridge
  • Following a Request for Qualifications, a Request for Proposal phase will be launched in June 2025 and is anticipated to close in November 2025

Opened in 1901, the Alexandra Bridge is an important part of the National Capital Region’s transportation network as it connects the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Approximately 18,000 vehicles cross the bridge when in operation. This accounts for approximately 9% of the vehicle traffic on the interprovincial bridges in the National Capital Region. The bridge is also used by about 27% of all pedestrians and cyclists crossing the river, one of the highest used of all the interprovincial bridges.

Time, exposure to natural elements and salt, as well as continued and growing usage, have taken their toll on the bridge despite Public Services and Procurement Canada’s best efforts to maintain the bridge. The new bridge will be designed to avoid corrosion-prone details. This will help ensure it can be maintained in good condition for a long period and serve many generations.

While Public Services and Procurement Canada is leading the replacement of the Alexandra Bridge, the National Capital Commission is the lead in a multiphase engagement approach that facilitate information sharing on the project, solicit feedback, and identify any concerns from the public, cities and provinces.

• A Request for Qualifications for the Alexandra Bridge replacement project was launched in October 2024 and closed in January 2025
  • Request for Qualifications evaluations have been completed and three proponents were invited to participate in the ensuing Request for Proposals phase in June 2025
  • The Request for Proposals is expected to close in November 2025, the contract with the winner will then be established and deconstruction and construction activities are expected to commence in 2028. PSPC expects the replacement Alexandra bridge will be operational by 2032