Government of Canada Marks First Anniversary of Construction on New Champlain Bridge

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - July 8, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

Montrealers will see the new Champlain Bridge taking shape before their eyes this summer as the first pieces of the structure become visible from both water and land.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was at the New Champlain Bridge construction site's west jetty location today to mark the first anniversary of the start of work on this iconic structure, which will transform Montreal's urban landscape and add a unique landmark to the city.

In addition to ensuring the safety of users, the new Champlain Bridge Corridor project will create thousands of jobs in Greater Montreal and foster economic growth across Canada by improving connections across road systems and ensuring the continuous and safe flow of people and goods.

Signature on the Saint Lawrence, the project's private partner, began construction on the project just over one year ago. It will very soon begin the placement in the river of the first permanent footings of the new Champlain bridge. This is a delicate and important step that is key to the project's success.

With the project proceeding on schedule, the Government of Canada is on track to open the new toll-free Champlain Bridge by December 2018.

Infrastructure Canada continues to work closely with provincial and municipal partners, while also taking part in public information sessions and meeting with neighbourhood committees put in place by the SSL to inform citizens of the project's progress and listen to their concerns.

Quotes

"What strikes me every time I visit this project is the human ingenuity at work! This new bridge will have a significant impact on the lives of Montrealers and be a new point of pride for their city. In addition to ensuring the safety of users from Montreal and elsewhere, it will create thousands of jobs and foster economic growth across Canada."

"I would also like to acknowledge the important collaboration by the Quebec government and the cities of Montreal and Brossard and with the federal government and Signature on the St. Lawrence Group - this invaluable cooperation has been pivotal to the project's success to date."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"After one year, it is amazing to see all the work done on this important bridge. Like the Turcot project, the new Champlain Bridge will significantly improve the mobility of people and goods in the Montreal area through modern, integrated infrastructure. This bridge will also include a rapid and efficient transit system that will benefit thousands of users daily."

Jacques Daoust, Quebec Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification and Member for Verdun

"It a pleasure to celebrate today the first anniversary of construction of the new Champlain bridge, which will transform not only the landscape of Montreal but also contribute to economic development in the region. The realization of the strategic project is a testament to the collaboration between all levels of government."

Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region

"A full year has now passed since work began on one of the most important bridges in Montreal's history. The new Champlain bridge will provide Montrealers and those in the surrounding boroughts with exceptional road transportation, public transit and a multi-purpose path for pedestrians and cyclists. This bridge will be a symbolic gateway for the Greater Montreal Area and will provide a breathtaking panorama of Mont-Royal and downtown. I would like to acknowledge the work of our colleagues in the federal and provincial governments that, with help from Montreal's technical team, demonstrates that cooperation can achieve great things."

Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal

"Bringing together ingenuity, sustainable transportation and an iconic architectural design, the new Champlain Bridge is proving to be an infrastructure of high quality, Signature on the St. Lawrence has masterfully managed this enormous construction site and the City of Brossard will continue to work in close cooperation with this consortium towards the completion of this promising project."

Mayor of Brossard, Paul Leduc

"I am very pleased with the progress on the new Champlain Bridge. Work to date by Signature on the Saint Lawrence has been mindful of the concerns of Verdun residents, who have received regular updates on the project's progress and impact. I trust that this superb collaboration between project partners will continue until the work is completed."

Jean-François Parenteau, Verdun Borough Mayor

"This modern infrastructure will offer a wonderful chance to adopt a more efficient and eco-friendly public transit solution to reduce traffic volume and cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and buses."

Benoit Dorais, Southwest Borough Mayor

"The New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project is a large, complex project that is creating a lot of excitement in and around Montréal and in the Province of Québec. Bridges are the most exciting pieces of infrastructure to be involved in and it is truly a privilege to be working on one that will change this city's landscape for generations to come."

Hugh Boyd, Project Director, Signature on the Saint Lawrence, the consortium responsible for the construction of the new Champlain Bridge Corridor Project.

Related Links

For more information on the New Champlain Bridge project, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nbsl-npsl/index-fra.html#wb-cont

or

consult the Signature on the Saint Lawrence website: http://www.nouveauchamplain.ca/

Twitter: @INFC_fra

Website: Infrastructure Canada