NCC approves design principles for 6th bridge over Ottawa River

NCC aiming for final design by 2029, opening by 2034

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has approved planning and design principles for a sixth interprovincial link between Ottawa and Gatineau, but construction remains years away.

The project would connect a corridor from Highway 50 and Montée Paiement in Gatineau, Que., to the Aviation Parkway in Ottawa and eventually Highway 417, with the aim of diverting truck traffic from Ottawa's downtown core.

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The NCC's board of directors received an update on the project and approved the planning and design principles document on Tuesday.

NCC staff divided the 11-kilometre corridor into five segments:

The planning and design document sketches out a variety of options for dividing the right of way between general traffic, transit, cycling and pedestrian uses.

Staff said the different segments reflect the local geography, planning priorities and road uses in those areas.

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The staff presentation also noted key approval milestones for achieving a 2034 opening, notably approving the corridor and part of the schematic design next year, with the final design by 2029.

Public Services and Procurement Canada is the lead agency on the project.

Matthew Kupfer has been a reporter and producer at CBC News since 2012. He can be reached at matthew.kupfer@cbc.ca and on Twitter @matthewkupfer