Champlain Bridge Open Except When It’s Not

Published 08/24/2023 · Updated 08/24/2023

Ottawa’s favourite administrator of federal lands, the National Capital Commission, continues to tell people that the Champlain Bridge is open.

Not only that, the NCC tells anyone who will listen the bridge has been completed three months early.

All this is true if you are willing to overlook complete bridge closures overnight between Aug. 28 and Sept. 15.

But that’s not all. The bridge will be periodically closed at night from Sept. 16 and beyond but pedestrians can walk across the bridge (because of the overwhelming outcry from 4 a.m. walkers). And of course, the cycling lanes will be open if you follow the signs.

Vibrant Downtown Needs QE Drive: PATTON

What kind of desperate public relations is this? Anyone can see through it. The bridge is not open at times from Aug. 16 to some unknown time in the future. So that means it is not open three months early.

And who set this opening date? NCC public relations? Do we have to squirrel back in the murky records to see if that is true?

Anyway, here’s the release below. Take it with a pinch of salt … or a whole box of Sifto:

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that all three vehicular lanes of Champlain bridge are now open during daytime hours as well as both bike lanes, which are temporarily delineated with traffic barrels.

Most of the work on this important project has been completed three months ahead of schedule, with remaining minor elements to be completed during off-peak and overnight closures through Fall 2023. The NCC thanks the public for its patience and collaboration during the construction period.

Please consult the NCC website for details on off-peak and overnight closures between August 28 through to the end of September.