This is a release put together by the City of Ottawa on the new cycling bridge that was formerly called the Prince of Wales:
Project update: Chief William Commanda Bridge multi-use pathway and rehabilitation project
Project update
The Chief William Commanda Bridge is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy!
As part of a larger rehabilitation project connecting Ottawa’s Trillium Pathway to the National Capital Commission’s Voyageurs’ pathway in Gatineau, this multi-use pathway is now open to cycling commuters, recreational users and visitors.
The restoration of the Chief William Commanda Bridge marks a significant milestone as a major interprovincial link, facilitating active transportation across our region.
Although there is still ongoing work on the pier and the substructure, our dedicated team of engineers has given their approval to open the multi-use pathway. While using the bridge, please be mindful of the construction areas, and kindly follow all signs to ensure your safety.
As we progress with the complete rehabilitation project, we anticipate some temporary disruptions to bridge access over the next year. The City of Ottawa will communicate these disruptions in advance to ensure the impact to users is known ahead of time.
Before setting out on your journey, make sure you have updated information about the pathway and visit the City’s interactive traffic map to confirm the pathway is open for use.
To learn more about this project and its progress, visit the project webpage.
Opening week usage
In the first week since opening, almost 30,000 crossings of the Chief William Commanda Bridge were recorded. The multi-use pathway opened to the public just after noon on Friday, August 4. During the first weekend the bridge was open for use, the City recorded approximately 7,500 people crossing per day. While most people crossed as cyclists, thousands of pedestrians also walked across, along with people using mobility devices, electric scooters, and skateboards.
It should be noted that the automatic counter is located towards the north side of Lemieux Island and captures people who are crossing the north span. People who crossed only the southern span from Ottawa to Lemieux Island and turned around are not included in these numbers.
City staff continue to monitor traffic on the multi-use pathway as travel patterns stabilize, fine-tuning the data collection for future use.
Official bridge opening ceremony
Details regarding an official bridge opening ceremony will be shared in a future e-newsletter.
Photo 1: Aerial photo of the north bridge deck, facing north towards to Gatineau (August 2023)
Photo 2:Aerial photo of the south bridge deck to Lemieux Island, facing north towards Gatineau (August 2023)
Bridge safety reminders
Residents are encouraged to remember these tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable crossing of the Chief William Commanda Bridge by all users:
Be safe. Different pathway users travel at different speeds. Travel at speeds that allow you to react in time for whatever might arise.
Watch for workers. Construction continues on some portions of the bridge structure as the contractor continues on the pier and masonry repairs. Watch for construction signage and keep away from active work zones.
Be cautious. Keep right, pass left. Use your bell or call out when passing. No matter which way you’re going on a shared path, keep to the right.
Do not block the path. Keep things moving in both directions, and make sure that there’s room for others to pass. Pedestrians must walk no more than two abreast, and cyclists must ride in single file. When stopping for photos or to enjoy the view, please move as far to the right, by the railing, as possible.
Do not climb. The railing is there to protect you. Please do not climb on the railing or bridge structure.
Be visible in the dark. Lights and reflectors on pedestrians, bikes and pets allow other users to see where you are, especially at night or when visibility is poor. Wear reflective clothing.
Leash your pet. Keep pets on a short leash and clean up after them. Remember that neither the animal nor the leash should block the path.
Upcoming work
The following work is ongoing or upcoming:
Above-water masonry repair
Bridge bearing installation
Demolition of the existing deteriorated pier protection
Installation of new pier protection
This work will take place until the winter shutdown and then resume in spring 2024.
Photo 3: Demolition of the existing deteriorated pier protection (August 2023)
Photo 4: Installation of temporary form for new pier protection (August 2023)
Photo 5: Above-water masonry repair (August 2023)
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formatsand communication supports are available, upon request.
Safety
The City of Ottawa is committed to safety in and around project sites. The project team continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Now that Jimbo has gone and taken his opposition to a rail crossing with him, there may still be moles within the City awaiting their chance to take the train across the river. It’s happened in the past that, if you keep the flame alive, it may someday burn bright. And, in true City fashion, the small fact that the infrastructure at the Gatineau end has gone with buses instead of trains is not significant enough to put Ottawa’s train people off their dream.
There’s still the infamous east end bridge crossing. Maybe they could take the train across it instead of the Commanda Bridge.
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All is not lost. The City’s “interactive traffic map” continues to identify the bridge as “corridor ferroviaire Trillium rail corridor”.
lol thx k
Maybe they’re hedging their bets?
Now that Jimbo has gone and taken his opposition to a rail crossing with him, there may still be moles within the City awaiting their chance to take the train across the river. It’s happened in the past that, if you keep the flame alive, it may someday burn bright. And, in true City fashion, the small fact that the infrastructure at the Gatineau end has gone with buses instead of trains is not significant enough to put Ottawa’s train people off their dream.
There’s still the infamous east end bridge crossing. Maybe they could take the train across it instead of the Commanda Bridge.
The Voter:
East-end bridge: maybe they could take the train, cars and trucks.
cheers
kgray