The federal government is kicking off the process of constructing a sixth interprovincial bridge in the National Capital Region.

Sited east of the downtown core, a new interprovincial crossing could be built between 2032 and 2034, depending on the impact assessment process and the construction program approach. The bridge is earmarked for construction between Aviation Parkway in Ottawa and Montée Paiement in Gatineau.

A recent announcement from the federal government kicked off pre-planning work for the project, which includes performing an impact study, developing a design, and preparing the construction site.

Because the project will build on existing roads, the Montée Paiement–Aviation Parkway Corridor has the smallest link footprint, and offers a faster planning schedule and better proximity to existing commercial properties on both sides of the Ottawa River.

Currently, the lack of a direct link between Ontario highways and interprovincial bridges forces heavy trucks to travel through downtown Ottawa, causing congestion, noise and safety risks.

“Investments in infrastructure are critical to supporting our region’s growth now and for years to come,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The eastern bridge will significantly reduce the number of heavy trucks passing through downtown Ottawa, alleviating concerns around congestion, noise, and safety risks to vulnerable communities. At the same time, the bridge will boost economic revitalization of our downtown core and support the economic development of our city.”

The federal government estimates a new eastern bridge could significantly reduce the 13,000 heavy trucks that pass through downtown Ottawa and Gatineau each week. Of those, 3,500 cross the Ottawa River every day, and 72% of them use the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge.

The government also says that interprovincial links between Gatineau and Ottawa are at or near maximum capacity, particularly the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge, which is crossed by an average of 70,000 vehicles daily.

To proceed with the next planning and design activities for the bridge, the government published a request for proposals for the professional services of a technical advisor on December 31. The technical advisor will support the development of the procurement strategy for the project.

Meanwhile, the government says it intends to hold public consultations to gather the comments of citizens, Indigenous communities and stakeholders, to ensure harmonious development while minimizing the impact on communities.