On December 3, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada closed the bridge for vehicular and pedestrian traffic after an inspection revealed deterioration in the masonry arches.

"[5] The closure affected commuting across the Ottawa River, including OC Transpo bus routes 8, 88, and 105 which run across the bridge and stop in front of the government offices at Terrasses de la Chaudière.

The bridge was partially re-opened one week later with weight restrictions and a reduced speed limit.

[7] Ottawa historian John Taylor had proposed that the government use the opportunity to open up the area to views of the Falls.

[9] In late April 2019, authorities announced that the bridge would be closed due to concerns over rising water level caused by the 2019 flood.