Chaudière Crossing (Hull Causeway) Deck Replacement and Steel Repairs project

Upcoming activities

In February 2012, PWGSC announced the awarding of the engineering services contract to the firm McCormick Rankin Corporation under an existing standing offer, for $750,036 (GST incl.).

The scope of work includes:

• Removing and replacing the reinforced concrete deck including barrier walls, the sidewalk and railings with a code compliant bridge deck that will meet recent geometric standards;
• Painting the steel structure, where required, to extend the steel protection and to take advantage to protect the steel that will be temporarily exposed during the deck replacement and other works;
• Repairing the substructure including repairs to the ballast walls, abutments, bearing seats and the piers;
• Replacing the bearings assemblies, and installing shear keys; and
• Strengthening of the supporting trusses.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2013.

Background

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is responsible for 19 engineering assets across the country, including the Chaudière Crossing.

The Chaudière Crossing is comprised, from north to south, of eight components, between the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The water in the Ottawa River flows under the structures, through a variety of waterways intended to harness the hydro-electric capacity of the river.

• Bronson Channel Span (built in 1968 utilizing the original masonry piers constructed in 1900);
• Ottawa Hydro Electric Power Commission Channel Span (single span concrete deck structure);
• Buchanan Channel Span (4.6 metre diameter culvert) and was recapitalized in 2011;
• Union Bridge (built in 1919) is a 73 metre single span steel truss spanning the main channel of the Ottawa River;
• Arch No. 1 (constructed in 1843) is a 12 metre stone masonry arch structure made of limestone directly north of the Union Bridge and was structurally rebuilt in 2011;
• Arch No. 3 (built in 1827) is a 16 metre span stone masonry arch located north of Arch No. 1 and the filled-in Arch No. 2. This Arch, made of limestone, carries an 8.7 metre wide roadway and was also recapitalized in 2011;
• Hull Trestle consists of a steel girder supported on steel columns and concrete foundations and spans approximately 70 metres and has recapitalization work underway in 2012; and
• Hull Causeway Bridge (constructed in 1956) is a four span steel plate girder bridge with a concrete slab.

The Chaudière Crossing is an essential component of the economy of the National Capital Region. It is a primary commuter route between the cities of Ottawa and carries approximately 28,000 vehicles daily, which equates to about 15  percent of all traffic between Ottawa and Gatineau on a daily basis.

Feedback and Contacts

If you would like to obtain more information, please contact PWGSC’s Real Property Branch.