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: Innovative Chief William Commanda Bridge named Project of the Year
Feature story
On a sunny day in the National Capital Region, people flow over the Chief William Commanda Bridge in both directions, taking advantage of the recently rehabilitated multi-use pathway to walk, run, or cycle.
Spanning the water with sleek design, the bridge has quickly become a popular place for people commuting, travelling, and exploring between Ottawa and Gatineau.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge project, which transformed former rail connections into a vibrant multi-use pathway, was recently named Project of the Year by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Capital Section.
This achievement celebrates the planning, engineering excellence, and community connection embodied by a ground-breaking transportation project.
Transforming the bridge into a multi-use pathway for a growing, active community involved tackling several key challenges through thoughtful rehabilitation and design, while prioritizing community needs and sustainability.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge was constructed in 1879 and the superstructure was reconstructed in 1926. The bridge is formed by two structures (north and south) separated by an island – comprised of six spans in the south structure and seven spans in the north structure. The clear width of the structure is approximately 5 m carrying one track only. The total crossing length is 989 meters.
The City of Ottawa purchased the railway bridge from Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 2005 for a future, longer-term transit crossing. The Chief William Commanda Bridge is being retained as a future rail transit bridge in the City’s Three-Year Rail Network Plan as filed with the Canadian Transportation Agency. In 2013, the Bridge was identified as a future “Major Pathway” in the City’s Transportation Master Plan and is identified in the Ottawa Cycling Plan Affordable Cycling Project List.
To maintain the bridge’s heritage and visual character, the team reused the original substructure and superstructure. They also restored the historic stone masonry, rebuilt the in-water pier protection, and kept steel repairs to a minimum.
The structure was transformed into a world-class pedestrian and cycling facility by installing timber decking over the existing rails, adding a railing system that maintained river vista views, and constructing a paved multi-use pathway on the island between the north and south structures.
The installation of a cable railing system, new lighting, and park benches were completed to make the bridge safer and more user-friendly for all who cross.
The name of this bridge honours William Commanda, who served as Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970.
As an Algonquin elder, a spiritual leader, and a promoter of environmental stewardship, he was a great bridge builder between nations. Chief William Commanda was awarded the Order of Canada in 2008 for his dedication and outstanding service to his people.
Extensive consultations with indigenous communities and the renaming of the bridge in honour of Chief William Commanda also highlight the project's focus on the importance of reconciliation and community involvement.
Throughout the planning process, special care was taken to protect species at risk. The retrofitting of the eroding underwater piers also reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of the bridge.
Designed for a future of active, low-carbon transportation, the multi-use pathway will encourage more sustainable travel and ease emissions along the surrounding region.
The project involved coordination across provincial borders and multiple jurisdictions, including extensive environmental assessments and indigenous consultations.
This City of Ottawa project was supported by the Government of Canada, with a about a third of the cost to rehabilitate the bridge being funded by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS).
The success of this project shows that innovative approaches to preserving rail infrastructure while promoting active, current transportation methods can be applied to future initiatives. Its strong multi-jurisdictional coordination also offers a valuable model for similar projects across the country.
If all of this makes you want to head out for a stroll, run, or bike ride between Ottawa to Gatineau, you’re not alone. On its opening week in 2023, the bridge’s multi-use pathway welcomed 30,000 visitors – and it continues to thrive, drawing an average of 2,800 users on weekdays, and 4,900 users on weekends.
Since reopening for the season in April, there’s plenty of time this summer to enjoy more interprovincial crossings—taking in the scenic water views and the thoughtful planning, design, and engineering that brought the Chief William Commanda Bridge to life.
查看原文...
Feature story
On a sunny day in the National Capital Region, people flow over the Chief William Commanda Bridge in both directions, taking advantage of the recently rehabilitated multi-use pathway to walk, run, or cycle.
Spanning the water with sleek design, the bridge has quickly become a popular place for people commuting, travelling, and exploring between Ottawa and Gatineau.
The Chief William Commanda Bridge project, which transformed former rail connections into a vibrant multi-use pathway, was recently named Project of the Year by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Capital Section.
This achievement celebrates the planning, engineering excellence, and community connection embodied by a ground-breaking transportation project.
Transforming the bridge into a multi-use pathway for a growing, active community involved tackling several key challenges through thoughtful rehabilitation and design, while prioritizing community needs and sustainability.
Thoughtful rehabilitation
The Chief William Commanda Bridge was constructed in 1879 and the superstructure was reconstructed in 1926. The bridge is formed by two structures (north and south) separated by an island – comprised of six spans in the south structure and seven spans in the north structure. The clear width of the structure is approximately 5 m carrying one track only. The total crossing length is 989 meters.
The City of Ottawa purchased the railway bridge from Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 2005 for a future, longer-term transit crossing. The Chief William Commanda Bridge is being retained as a future rail transit bridge in the City’s Three-Year Rail Network Plan as filed with the Canadian Transportation Agency. In 2013, the Bridge was identified as a future “Major Pathway” in the City’s Transportation Master Plan and is identified in the Ottawa Cycling Plan Affordable Cycling Project List.
Innovative design
To maintain the bridge’s heritage and visual character, the team reused the original substructure and superstructure. They also restored the historic stone masonry, rebuilt the in-water pier protection, and kept steel repairs to a minimum.
The structure was transformed into a world-class pedestrian and cycling facility by installing timber decking over the existing rails, adding a railing system that maintained river vista views, and constructing a paved multi-use pathway on the island between the north and south structures.
The installation of a cable railing system, new lighting, and park benches were completed to make the bridge safer and more user-friendly for all who cross.
Chief William Commanda
The name of this bridge honours William Commanda, who served as Chief of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation from 1951 to 1970.
As an Algonquin elder, a spiritual leader, and a promoter of environmental stewardship, he was a great bridge builder between nations. Chief William Commanda was awarded the Order of Canada in 2008 for his dedication and outstanding service to his people.
Extensive consultations with indigenous communities and the renaming of the bridge in honour of Chief William Commanda also highlight the project's focus on the importance of reconciliation and community involvement.
Sustainability
Throughout the planning process, special care was taken to protect species at risk. The retrofitting of the eroding underwater piers also reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of the bridge.
Designed for a future of active, low-carbon transportation, the multi-use pathway will encourage more sustainable travel and ease emissions along the surrounding region.
Working together
The project involved coordination across provincial borders and multiple jurisdictions, including extensive environmental assessments and indigenous consultations.
This City of Ottawa project was supported by the Government of Canada, with a about a third of the cost to rehabilitate the bridge being funded by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS).
The success of this project shows that innovative approaches to preserving rail infrastructure while promoting active, current transportation methods can be applied to future initiatives. Its strong multi-jurisdictional coordination also offers a valuable model for similar projects across the country.
If all of this makes you want to head out for a stroll, run, or bike ride between Ottawa to Gatineau, you’re not alone. On its opening week in 2023, the bridge’s multi-use pathway welcomed 30,000 visitors – and it continues to thrive, drawing an average of 2,800 users on weekdays, and 4,900 users on weekends.
Since reopening for the season in April, there’s plenty of time this summer to enjoy more interprovincial crossings—taking in the scenic water views and the thoughtful planning, design, and engineering that brought the Chief William Commanda Bridge to life.
查看原文...
