Ottawa·Photos

The National Capital Commission has shared updated renderings of its planned replacement for the Alexandra Bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau, Que.

Construction is planned for Ottawa River bridge from 2028 to 2032

CBC News · Posted: Jan 22, 2026 1:14 PM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours ago

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A rendering of a bridge over a river between two cities in summer.The National Capital Commission released new renderings for the new Alexandra Bridge on Thursday. (National Capital Commission)

The National Capital Commission has shared updated renderings of its planned replacement for the Alexandra Bridge between Ottawa and Gatineau, Que.

The current bridge — one of five vehicle crossings over the Ottawa River in the capital — opened in 1901.

The design for its replacement was unveiled last year. It is inspired by the flow of the river and the rippling form of the eel, one of its native species.

The bridge will have lanes for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as public spaces with views of Parliament Hill. Construction is still expected to last from 2028 until 2032.

As the design continues to be refined, the NCC provided an update about how it wants the bridge and surrounding area to look at a board meeting Thursday.

A rendering of a bridge over a river between two cities at night.The NCC is moving through the planning and design stage for the new bridge, step two in a five-step process. (National Capital Commission)A rendering of a bridge over a river between two cities in summer.The goal is for the NCC to approve the final design in the spring of 2028. (National Capital Commission)A rendering of a bridge over a river between two cities at night.Construction is planned to last from 2028 until 2032. (National Capital Commission)A rendering of a bridge over a river between two cities in summer.According to Public Services and Procurement Canada, about 40 per cent of pedestrian and cyclist traffic between Ottawa and Gatineau uses the Alexandra Bridge. That makes it the most popular bridge for those modes of travel. (National Capital Commission)Corrections and clarifications·Submit a news tip·Report error