Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded contracts for engineering work on two bridges between Ottawa and Gatineau.

The first is a $1.1-million contract awarded to Parsons Inc. for the southern structures renewal project on the Chaudière Crossing.

As work on the Union Bridge and Hull Causeway of the Chaudière Crossing nears completion, recent inspections and studies have shown that parts of the southern structures are in poor condition and need to be rehabilitated.

The southern structures renewal project will include the replacement of the Bronson Channel Bridge, as well as the rehabilitation of the Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Bridge and the Buchanan Channel Culvert.

The Chaudière Crossing is a critical link between Ottawa and Gatineau, and accommodates more than 15,000 vehicles every day. The crossing passes over the Ottawa River and several hydroelectric waterways, linking Eddy Street in Gatineau to Booth Street in Ottawa.

Work on the Union Bridge rehabilitation and Hull Causeway widening started in 2021. Both projects are scheduled for completion this summer or fall.

The second contract is worth $647,829 and was awarded to WSP for the wearing surface and girder coating renewal project on the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge. The work will protect the structure against corrosion, ensuring proper stewardship of this engineering asset, while improving the lifespan of the bridge.

The Macdonald-Cartier Bridge spans the Ottawa River, connecting King Edward Avenue in Ottawa to Highway 5 in Gatineau. It has an average annual daily traffic volume of over 70,000 vehicles.

“These crossings are vital connections between Gatineau and Ottawa, and serve more than 85,000 vehicles daily,” said PSPC Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. “As the custodian of these crossings, we are committed to ensuring they are safe for the travelling public. This construction work will establish reliable transportation links for both current and future generations and support the efficient movement of people and goods in the region.”

Construction work on both projects is expected to start in 2025.