The project to repurpose a disused rail bridge in Ottawa recently earned top honours from the Institute of Transportation Engineers, National Capital Section.

The Chief William Commanda Bridge project, which transformed a former rail connection into a vibrant multi-use pathway, was recently named the institute’s Project of the Year. 

The award celebrates the planning, engineering excellence, and community connection embodied by a ground-breaking transportation project.

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.

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.

The 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 Public Transit Infrastructure Stream.