Josiah Frith is Chair of the LCA’s Alexandra Bridge Sub-Committee, with this group being part of the LCA’s Transport Committee. We are reprinting a portion of his recent letter to the NCC about the bridge, with his permission.
Urgent considerations have emerged within our community regarding the upcoming plans for demolition of the Alexandra Bridge, and construction of a new “signature” bridge. Strong support exists in our community for conserving the current bridge, while keeping it open to active use, as it is now. The sentiment is that while the discussion of a new bridge progresses, we should actively explore options to return the original bridge to its historical use as a rail bridge and active-use pathway. It is crucial to note that there is reluctance among community members to agree to the destruction of this historically significant landmark, not to mention the effects of its destruction on the surrounding ecology.
Urgent considerations for the project team: Our urgent plea to the project team is to carefully reconsider the decision to demolish the existing bridge. There is substantial community support for preserving the bridge, with suggestions to explore renovation options and address structural concerns without demolition. We understand the need for progress, but the cultural and historical value of this landmark warrants a thorough examination of alternatives that prioritize conservation over destruction.
Inter-provincial traffic: The lack of political will and decisive action concerning the adverse impact of inter-provincial traffic on our community is disheartening. We propose leveraging the discussions around the Alexandra Bridge, which will impact overall traffic, to urge all stakeholders, with the NCC taking a leadership role, to address and mitigate the impacts of truck traffic on the MacDonald-Cartier Bridge to King Edward. We recommend conducting a comprehensive study of the entire corridor, from Hwy 148 in the Pontiac to Hwy 50 and Hwy 417 in Hawkesbury, to divert traffic at crossings further west and east, thereby proactively alleviating safety, environmental, and community concerns associated with inter-provincial traffic.
Rail transportation and future planning: Considering the desire within our community to preserve the bridge, we advocate exploring the potential of returning it to its original use as a rail bridge and active-use pathway. Aligning with proposed projects such as the Gatineau light rail or the National Capital Region Loop, the original bridge could play a pivotal role in enhancing sustainable and efficient rail transportation. Integrating these projects into the existing bridge’s structure could maintain its historical significance while contributing to the evolution of public transportation infrastructure in the region. It would also remove the need for salt, which we are told would greatly improve the maintenance cycle on a bridge of this design and material composition.