NCC reveals 3 options to replace Alexandra Bridge

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has unveiled three potential designs to replace the Alexandra Bridge, as officials say there's no going back on the planned demolition of the existing 123-year-old structure.

The concept designs — entitled Echo, Rendez vous and Motion — now go to public consultation, with an online survey launching Tuesday and open meetings scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is soon starting the procurement process to select a company to design and construct the new bridge, with a winning design expected early next year. Construction is expected to run from 2028 to 2032.

Each of the concept designs provides separate lanes for bicycles and vehicles, plus a pedestrian walkway with views of Parliament Hill. 

Echo

Introducing the designs, architect Martin Knight said Echo is intended as a "reinterpretation" of the existing bridge, though not a replica.

"The Echo bridge concept draws inspiration from the historic Alexandra Bridge, combining heritage with modern design," he said.

Rendez vous

Rendez vous is defined by two "grand arches meeting at a single pier in the river." Knight said the bridge appears to "step lightly" on the water, and amplifies views to provide a feeling of openness.

"The transparent arches enhance visual connection between previously separated areas on either side of the river," he said.

Motion

Finally, the design known as Motion is inspired by the flow of the Ottawa River and the rippling form of one of its native species.

"The motion design is a tribute to the dynamic, ever-changing motion of the river, inspired by the eel," he said. "The bridge's graceful form reflects the eel's motion."

Knight explained that each design has a gathering place, and the vehicular lanes can be closed to create even larger public spaces for special occasions.

Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette watched the design presentation and said her community has a strong attachment to the bridge. She said consultations will be essential and asked why the bridge must be replaced.

"I don't think it's something we should take for granted during the public consultation," she said in French.

But Stefan Dery, PSPC's director general of infrastructure asset management, said the government has ruled out saving the existing bridge.

"Fundamentally from our perspective, this is a health and safety issue," he later told reporters. "The state of the existing bridge is such that it has a finite life, it has reached the end of service, so we're not in a position to simply repair the bridge."

'We love this bridge'

According to a PSPC report, the existing Alexandra Bridge is suffering from 17 different issues affecting its strength and integrity, including rust, cracks and buckling.

But critics have questioned those conclusions and pushed to save the bridge. The Alexandra Bridge Coalition has argued that converting it to a "green bridge" closed to motor vehicles could lengthen its life.

Josiah Frith, who handles the Alexandra Bridge file for the Lowertown Community Association also still believes the bridge can be saved. He said it would cost substantially less than building new.

"We love this bridge," he said. "We would like to see it preserved and restored, and we have always been asking for a fourth option to be put forth which is that restoration."

He sees the Echo concept as the only design that captures some elements of the historic structure.

Built by the Dominion Bridge Company of Lachine, Que and opened in 1901, the Alexandra Bridge is considered an engineering asset of national historic importance, according to PSPC.

The first open meeting, at Gatineau's Canadian Museum of History, is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The second, at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, is slated for Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.