Interprovincial bridge crossing discussion

[Ottawacurious]

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services...ears-in-the-national-capital-region.html
An Interprovincial Link Expected for Over 100 Years in the National Capital Region
From: Public Services and Procurement Canada

Backgrounder
For decades, the need for an interprovincial link to the east of the National Capital Region has been recognized in order to unify the shores of Gatineau and Ottawa and to seamlessly integrate various modes of transportation.

History of Key Recommendations:

1915: The Bennett-Holt Plan recommends a bridge east of the Gatineau River, along with a highway network.

1950: The Gréber Plan proposes a bridge east of Kettle Island to connect Ottawa and Gatineau into a federal district.

1976-1977: The Ottawa-Carleton and Outaouais regional plans suggest a bridge over Kettle Island.

1986-1999: Several studies recommend a link that bypasses downtown, identifying Kettle Island as the priority corridor.

2009: An environmental assessment of interprovincial links is jointly carried out by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the Quebec Ministry of Transport (MTQ), the City of Ottawa, and the City of Gatineau.

2013: This study confirms the need for an additional interprovincial link and proposes the Kettle Island corridor (Corridor 5) as the preferred location. The Kettle Island, Lower Duck Island (Corridor 6), and Gatineau Airport/McLaurin Bay (Corridor 7) corridors are also retained for further examination.

2013: Phase 2B: Update of technical studies on these three sites. The Government of Ontario withdraws from the process for political reasons.

2019: A mandate letter from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement confirms the need to address the requirement for an additional crossing in the National Capital Region.

2021: A mandate letter confirms the creation of an integrated project office for the additional link in the National Capital Region.

2019-2024: Public Services and Procurement Canada and the National Capital Commission update studies validating Corridor 5. Data from the Interprovincial Truck Travel Survey (published in June 2024) reinforces the need to relieve congestion along the King-Edward-Rideau corridor (KERWN).

Why is an Eastern Bridge Essential to Support Growth and Interprovincial Mobility?
Meeting the National Capital Region’s Mobility Needs

Connecting Multimodal Transportation Networks:

The Eastern Bridge will offer a multimodal transportation corridor connected to public transit networks, pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as roadway infrastructure in Ottawa and Gatineau. (Source: NCC, 2013 Interprovincial Studies; City of Gatineau (Rapibus); OC Transpo)
Dedicated lanes could be set aside for public transit and active transportation along the entire span, thus increasing access to sustainable transportation and reducing car dependence. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies; Ottawa Transportation Master Plan; PSPC 2019-2024)
The Long-Term Integrated Plan for Interprovincial Links shows that a new bridge will provide additional mobility options necessary for the region’s future. (Source: NCC, 2009-2013 Interprovincial Studies)

Increasing Interprovincial Travel:
In 2019, approximately 51,000 trips were made across interprovincial bridges between Gatineau and Ottawa during the morning rush hour. Despite the drop in traffic during the pandemic, by 2023 interprovincial vehicle traffic had returned to about 90% of its pre-pandemic level. (Source: NCC, Pre-pandemic Traffic Data (2013); PSPC & NCC 2023 updates)
The Macdonald-Cartier and Champlain bridges operate at full capacity during peak hours. Adding heavy trucks pushes the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge beyond its capacity of 4,800 vehicles per hour. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies; City of Ottawa Traffic Data; MTMD; MTO)
Each morning, these two bridges handle two to three times more trips from Quebec to Ontario than from Ontario to Quebec. Public transit and active transportation follow the same trend. (Source: NCC, 2013 Interprovincial Studies)
By 2050, a projected increase in congestion will heighten traffic jams and extend travel times during peak hours. Commuter trips and heavy freight transport are the main causes of congestion. (Source: NCC & City of Ottawa, 2013 Studies with 2019-2024 updates)
Flooding events in 2017 and 2019 highlighted the vulnerability of existing infrastructure. An eastern interprovincial bridge would bolster infrastructure resilience to cope with climate change.
Addressing the Challenges of Interprovincial Heavy Truck Transport

Reducing Heavy Truck Traffic Downtown:

An eastern bridge would provide an alternative route to divert heavy trucks away from Ottawa’s downtown core, improving public spaces and creating favorable conditions for area development. (Source: City of Ottawa, Transportation Master Plan; NCC, 2013 Studies)
Currently, heavy trucks must pass through downtown to reach the interprovincial bridges, causing safety, noise, vibration, and congestion issues in high-density areas. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies; City of Ottawa Public Consultations)
The City of Ottawa’s Transportation Master Plan proposes removing Rideau Street and King Edward Avenue from the heavy truck network once bypass options are available. An eastern bridge would make this feasible. (Source: City of Ottawa, Transportation Master Plan)
In 2023, 72% of interprovincial truck trips crossed via the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge and the King Edward–Rideau–Waller–Nicholas (KERWN) corridor, despite 67% of these trips originating or ending outside the downtown area. (Source: NCC & PSPC, Truck Travel Data Collection, June 2024)
About 75% of heavy trucks start or finish their trips east of the river on both sides, meaning the proposed new link could significantly reduce unnecessary transits through downtown Ottawa. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies and 2019-2024 updates; NCC, Truck Travel Data Collection, June 2024)
By facilitating more efficient freight transport, the eastern bridge would promote economic growth while reducing reliance on the KERWN corridor—ensuring smoother traffic flow for heavy trucks without disrupting the central areas of the National Capital. (Source: NCC & PSPC, Economic Analyses in 2019-2024 Interprovincial Studies)
Responding to Population Growth

Significant Population Increase:

The population of the National Capital Region, estimated at 1.3 million in 2024, is projected to reach nearly 2 million by mid-century, causing a rise in interprovincial travel. An eastern bridge is vital to reducing congestion, improving traffic flow, and meeting future mobility needs. (Source: NCC Demographic Projections; City of Ottawa and City of Gatineau Official Plans; Gatineau Development Plan)
Ottawa is experiencing rapid job growth, while Gatineau’s population is growing faster than its employment opportunities. This dynamic generates a large flow of workers from Gatineau to Ottawa. (Source: NCC, 2022 Long-Term Integrated Plan for Interprovincial Links)
Meeting Economic Development Needs

A Metropolitan Vision for Economic Development:

By increasing the capacity for people to travel between the two provinces, this infrastructure will strengthen the economic vitality of both Francophone regions east of the National Capital. (Source: NCC & PSPC, 2019-2024 Economic Analyses in Studies)
Impact on Economic Development Near the Corridors:

The interprovincial link along Montée Paiement and the Aviation Parkway will contribute to urban densification around major transportation corridors, such as the La Cité hub in Gatineau. (Source: City of Gatineau, 2016 Revised Development Plan (p.5-101); NCC, 2013 Studies)
Cross-Border Fluidity:

Increasing capacity for the movement of people and goods creates economic development opportunities and facilitates access to transportation networks in the National Capital Region. (Source: NCC & PSPC, 2019-2024 Studies)
Reducing truck volumes in downtown Ottawa will make the area more attractive for pedestrians and cyclists, stimulating both functional and tourist travel. (Source: City of Ottawa, Transportation Master Plan; NCC, 2013 Studies)
Why is the Montée Paiement–Aviation Parkway Corridor the Preferred Route to Improve Mobility in the National Capital Region?

For Efficient Management of Interprovincial Transportation:

This corridor was selected for its potential to attract the highest number of public transit and active transportation trips. It is also considered the corridor that best minimizes induced car traffic. (Source: NCC, Interprovincial Connections Study – Phase 2B (2013))
It allows for connectivity among the public transit networks east of the Gatineau and Rideau Rivers. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies)
Integrated cycling and multi-use paths between the two shores will also encourage the use of active and sustainable transportation modes. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies; Ottawa–Gatineau Cycling Plans)
To Minimize Impacts on Natural Environments:

There is strong potential for mitigating the impacts of the chosen corridor. A mitigation plan will be put in place to reduce effects on natural habitats. (Source: NCC, 2009-2013 Environmental Assessment; 2019-2024 Updates)
The narrower footprint of this corridor will help limit its encroachment on natural areas and reduce impacts on biodiversity, contributing to conservation efforts. (Source: NCC, 2013 Environmental Studies; PSPC 2019-2024)
The existing roadway within the chosen corridor will reduce overall disruption, including the need to cut down mature trees. (Source: NCC, 2013 Studies; Environmental Mitigation Plans)
To Integrate with Existing Infrastructure:

This corridor is already identified as the preferred option in the City of Gatineau’s Revised Development Plan. (Source: City of Gatineau, 2016 Revised Development Plan, p.5-101)
Existing infrastructures—such as Montée Paiement and the Aviation Parkway in Ottawa—will require fewer modifications to connect with the future link, since their rights-of-way are already suitable for higher traffic volumes. (Source: City of Ottawa, Official Plan; Transportation Master Plan; NCC, 2013 Studies)

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Horus

More about the announcement

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2136380/pont-ottawa-gatineau-est-montee-paiement

He also said there was 221 million dollars earmarked for this project already, for the initial phases.

[Dengler Avenue]

That federal government might not even survive the election, though. The announcement may have to be taken with lots of skepticism.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Dengler Avenue

That federal government might not even survive the election, though. The announcement may have to be taken with lots of skepticism.

Which explains why Steven MacKinnon looks like he is sprinting on this file, to try and put enough wheels in motion so that if the CPC wants to stop them, it will make a big grinding noise.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Dengler Avenue

That federal government might not even survive the election, though. The announcement may have to be taken with lots of skepticism.

Announcing it in middle of an Ontario provincial election also means we might end up with an on the record Ontario opposed to the project.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Announcing it in middle of an Ontario provincial election also means we might end up with an on the record Ontario opposed to the project.

That's an interesting thought. It could become an Ontario election issue.

[acottawa]

This sort of reminds me of the High Speed Rail project. "The thing we haven't done anything on in 10 years in office is suddenly going to get done when we are on the verge of losing an election."

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Announcing it in middle of an Ontario provincial election also means we might end up with an on the record Ontario opposed to the project.

Doesn't it primarily affect Ottawa Vanier, which is the least competitive riding in the province?

[kmcamp]

Until I see an actual shovel in the ground, this is just sound and fury signifying nothing. This bridge gets promised over and over again. It's not the Vanier riding this is aimed at. This is vote buying on the Gatineau side, as it's Gatineau that wants the bridge far more badly than Ottawa

[kmcamp]

Until I see an actual shovel in the ground, this is just sound and fury signifying nothing. This bridge gets promised over and over again. It's not the Vanier riding this is aimed at. This is vote buying on the Gatineau side, as it's Gatineau that wants the bridge far more badly than Ottawa

This is no more going to come to pass then Ernie Eves Ottawa Bypass

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by kmcamp

Until I see an actual shovel in the ground, this is just sound and fury signifying nothing. This bridge gets promised over and over again. It's not the Vanier riding this is aimed at. This is vote buying on the Gatineau side, as it's Gatineau that wants the bridge far more badly than Ottawa

Ottawa City Hall seems disinterested even though this could solve one of the biggest issues the downtown has faced for over half a century. Get with the program Sutcliffe, the tunnel is a ridiculous idea.

Full announcement:

• Video Link

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Doesn't it primarily affect Ottawa Vanier, which is the least competitive riding in the province?

True in terms of direct effects, and even so it's only a very small part of Ottawa-Vanier.

Though it's also true there are anti-Qu... erm... "Quebec-skeptic" voters all over Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by acottawa

Doesn't it primarily affect Ottawa Vanier, which is the least competitive riding in the province?

Yes though the edge of Orleans could also be impacted and is a potentially winnable riding for the Conservatives. While only in a pretty big wave if the candidate there asks for opposition to it without anyone on the other side it seems possible. I guess even the Vanier candidate might do the same.

[Acajack]

I saw that the head of the NCC Maryse Gaudreault was there and seemed quite happy.

Does this mean that changing the designation of the Aviation Parkway (and a short segment of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier) to make it a heavy truck route, is a sure thing?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Acajack

I saw that the head of the NCC Maryse Gaudreault was there and seemed quite happy.

Does this mean that changing the designation of the Aviation Parkway (and a short segment of the Sir George-Étienne Cartier) to make it a heavy truck route, is a sure thing?

I think that's safe to assume (as long as this project isn't killed by the next Government).

[rocketphish]

Why Ottawans don't want a Kettle Island bridge
There's scant evidence an Ottawa River bridge crossing this island would reduce downtown traffic in any useful way. But it might well disrupt a second neighbourhood.

Mohammed Adam, Ottawa Citizen
Published Feb 06, 2025 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 3 minute read

It may be back to battle stations for Ottawa residents as the federal government — against their wishes — launches yet another effort to build a new inter-provincial bridge at Kettle Island in the east-end.

Plans for a sixth bridge have been going on since the 1990s when the then-regional government backed Kettle Island as the site for it. But each attempt has been foiled by Ottawa residents who believe Quebec traffic will flood their streets and ruin their neighbourhoods. In 2013, the last serious attempt for the bridge died when the Ontario government pulled its support after furious public backlash. But a federal government that refuses to take no for an answer is back at it again. The city should mobilize and reject the bridge again.

Gatineau MP and Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon announced last week that preparation has begun for construction of the bridge, to start in 2029 and be completed by 2034. MacKinnon said the bridge, which will connect Gatineau’s Montée Paiement with the Aviation Parkway, then on to Highway 417, is needed to meet the demands of a growing population and boost the regional economy.

Gatineau has long wanted a new bridge for residents to ease the traffic congestion they encounter daily as they make their way to Ottawa for work. There’s also been a long-held belief that an east-end bridge will absorb the truck traffic on King Edward Avenue that clogs parts of downtown and endangers pedestrians.

According to a National Capital Commission study, some 3,500 trucks cross the Ottawa River each day, with 72 per cent of them using the Macdonald-Cartier-King Edward corridor. A new bridge that diverts truck traffic from downtown would no doubt be a big relief, but would such a bridge fix the problem or merely kick it from one neighbourhood to another?

Community groups in Sandy Hill and Lowertown support an east-end bridge because they believe it would end their truck traffic nightmare. But how much of the truck traffic would really be diverted? All of it, some of it? And to what end?

The question needs asking because in 2021, an NCC-commissioned report by the IBI Group said a Kettle Island bridge would divert only 15 per cent of King Edward truck traffic by 2050. A significant heavy truck volume would remain downtown. If so, the city could get a new bridge and the King Edward truck nightmare will remain. Ottawa could end up with trucks running through two neighbourhoods — Lowertown and Manor Park — not one.

East-end groups of course, don’t want a new bridge because they believe it would only transfer the problem on King Edward to neighbourhood streets in Manor Park, parts of Rockcliffe and Vanier around the Montfort Hospital. Their streets would turn into s new King Edward, Rideau and Waller, as 18-wheelers rumbled towards the 417.

Besides, it remains to be fully explained how a Kettle Island bridge would help Gatineau commuters heading to Ottawa. If you are in Gatineau and work in Ottawa as most do, why would you want to end up on the Aviation Parkway before making your way to an already congested 417 to downtown? How would meandering around the east-end make your commute faster?

The point however, is that the feds want a new bridge and are determined to have it. But how a government can build a bridge across two cities when one is opposed to it remains unanswered. If truck traffic is really the issue, a tunnel from Macdonald-Cartier to the 417 is the answer. The City of Ottawa and Ontario funded a $750,000 study in 2015, which concluded that a 3.4-kilometre tunnel for trucks and cars, estimated at $1.7 billion to $2 billion, was feasible.

In 2019, a federal report estimated that a Kettle Island bridge would cost about $1.8 billion, essentially no different from the cost of a tunnel. But the federal government appears uninterested in the tunnel because its focus is a bridge to help Gatineau commuters get to Ottawa faster. That’s why it faces a battle from Ottawa residents.

Mohammed Adam is an Ottawa journalist and commentator. Reach him at [email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/adam-ottawans-kettle-island-bridge

[phil235]

What on earth is he talking about? How would trucks end up rumbling around the neighbourhood streets of Manor Park? This is about through truck traffic, and the Aviation Parkway offers a straight shot from the highway to the bridge. To suggest that it is a neighbourhood street in Manor Park is disinformation at best.

[Richard Eade]

Agreed. Traffic would not be a sidewalk-width away from any Manor Park house, which is what it is on King Edward, and what the writer is implying.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by phil235

What on earth is he talking about? How would trucks end up rumbling around the neighbourhood streets of Manor Park? This is about through truck traffic, and the Aviation Parkway offers a straight shot from the highway to the bridge. To suggest that it is a neighbourhood street in Manor Park is disinformation at best.

There is a lot of hyperbole here for sure but what's the plan will Aviation have all access removed between the bridge and 417? So a truck delivery to Mcdonalds or the other businesses at Aviation and Montreal Road will have to take the current route the long way around?

I know they will close Beechwood access in both directions but traffic seems likely to spill onto Montreal Road. If you can't get to Montfort, La Cite and RCMP what's the point of this whole enterprise?

[acottawa]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

There is a lot of hyperbole here for sure but what's the plan will Aviation have all access removed between the bridge and 417? So a truck delivery to Mcdonalds or the other businesses at Aviation and Montreal Road will have to take the current route the long way around?

I know they will close Beechwood access in both directions but traffic seems likely to spill onto Montreal Road. If you can't get to Montfort, La Cite and RCMP what's the point of this whole enterprise?

The aviation parkway has a truck ban, no McDonald’s delivery truck is taking it now.