OTTAWA – Work on transforming an old railway bridge into a multifunctional path between Ottawa and Gatineau is officially underway.
A groundbreaking ceremony Monday morning for construction on Chief William Commanda Bridge marked the official start of the project.
The $ 22.6 million project will convert the long unused railroad bridge across the Ottawa River into an interprovincial connection for hikers, runners, cyclists, roller skaters and cross-country skiers.
The bridge just west of downtown, built in 1880 as a railroad connection, has not been in operation since 2001. The city purchased it from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 2005.
Mayor Jim Watson said the project will incorporate the bridge into Ottawa’s city bypass system, which he called one of the best found anywhere.
“When the multi-purpose trail opens next fall, it will certainly become a popular active transportation corridor that connects a network of trails and public transportation on both sides of the river and provides residents with more environmentally friendly commuting opportunities.”
The project includes renovation work on the bridge’s construction parts and a new wooden deck on top of the existing railway track.
There will be a steel cable railing system, LED lighting and benches for rest areas. Work also includes connecting the bridge to Ottawa’s Trillium Pathway and Voyageurs’ Pathway in Gatineau.
The bridge is scheduled to open next fall, but some work on the piers and a path connecting it to Lemieux Island is scheduled to last until 2024.
Lemieux Island, a popular dog park without a leash, has been closed to the public since September due to construction.
“Today marks an important milestone in ensuring that residents of both Ottawa and Gatineau have access to high-quality active transportation networks,” Finance Council President Mona Fortier said in a press release.
Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Bridge, the city renamed the bridge after Chief William Commanda in July. The command was headed by Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970.
The city is funding $ 14 million of the project, with the federal government covering the remaining $ 8.6 million.
The city allocates two percent of the road construction budget to order Algonquin art for the site.
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