Laurier Avenue Bridge, Road bridge in Ottawa, Canada
Laurier Avenue Bridge is a road bridge that spans the Rideau Canal, connecting Colonel By Drive with Queen Elizabeth Driveway via steel arch construction. The four-lane structure includes dedicated bicycle paths and sidewalks on both sides for all users.
The first bridge was built in 1872, but later replaced by a four-lane structure completed in 1900. The structure underwent expansion and modifications in subsequent decades to accommodate growing traffic needs.
The bridge serves as a meeting spot during Winterlude celebrations, where visitors watch skaters on the frozen Rideau Canal below. It has become a natural gathering place where locals and tourists experience the city's winter traditions together.
The bridge is open daily for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles without restrictions. Winter conditions can make the surface slippery, so extra caution is needed during snow and ice seasons.
The Department of National Defence Headquarters sits directly at the southern entrance on the eastern section of the bridge. This proximity to a major government facility adds an unexpected layer of national significance to what appears as ordinary street infrastructure.
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