Three designs proposed for Canadian bridge replacement

Canadians are sharing their views about three proposals for the structure that will replace a 120-year-old bridge in the nation’s capital, Ottawa.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the National Capital Commission (NCC) have proposed three designs for the replacement of Alexandra Bridge. The 563m five-span truss bridge over the Ottawa River connects Ottawa, Ontario with Gatineau, Quebec. Completed in 1900, it has now come to the end of its service life.

The proposed designs, by Arup Canada with Knight as lead bridge architects, are named Echo, Rendez Vous and Motion.

Concept for Echo with the current bridge in red for comparison. Credit: NCC

Echo is reinterpretation of the existing bridge with a twin plane of structures through which the bike lane will pass.

Concept for Rendez Vous with its single support pier. Credit: NCC

Rendez Vous consists of two arches meeting at a single support pier.

Concept for the eel-like Motion. Credit: NCC

Motion’s design of rising and falling arches is inspired by eels, which are native to the river.

All three designs feature a space that could, when the bridge is closed to traffic, be used for gatherings.