Hi Eastern Bridge supporters!

Thanks to everyone who has signed and shared the petition! We’ve reached a significant milestone of over 1,000 supporters! Let’s continue building momentum to push this project forward. 

A few updates on the current pre-planning status of the new bridge:

The National Capital Commission hosted the first consultations in June and July, focusing on residents who live very close to the new crossing. The next step is public consultations with wider communities and stakeholder groups.

A recent survey by Le Droit and Radio-Canada showed that Gatineau residents strongly support the new eastern bridge with more than 70% in favor. 

Parsons / Stantec was engaged to provide the conceptual designs for the bridge in March 2025. The contract period is for 12 months so we might get designs before then or not until after March 2026.

Approved in April 2023, Part 1 of the City of Ottawa Transportation Master Plan (TMP) specifies that “The City will review the removal of Rideau Street and King Edward Avenue from the City’s identified truck route network once a suitable, safe, and efficient alternative is implemented.” The City of Ottawa recently approved Part 2 of the TMP. There wasn’t time to fully incorporate planning for the new bridge into the TMP (the City said) but “sensitivity testing” was conducted which indicated no modifications to the plan were needed at this time. The analysis pointed to “significant reductions in traffic on existing interprovincial crossings; predominantly the Macdonald-Cartier, Portage, and Chaudière bridges. Traffic volume reductions were also noted on connecting corridors such as King Edward Avenue, St. Patrick Street, Sussex Drive, Vanier Parkway, and McArthur Avenue.” 

The current schedule for the bridge has construction finishing in 2032-2034- can our support push that timeline forward? Please share this petition and talk to your friends and neighbours about supporting the eastern bridge!