The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, was in Montreal Jan. 15 to announce the next steps for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence project following the recent completion of the business case.
The business case includes a rigorous financial and technical analysis of the project and examines different procurement models to determine if cost and other benefits could be achieved using a public-private partnership. The business case confirms that a public-private partnership is the most cost-effective method to deliver the project within an accelerated timeline.
“We will deliver a safe, reliable, long-lasting bridge, constructed in a timely, cost effective, responsible manner that meets the expectations of Montrealers,” said Lebel.
The procurement process will begin with a request for qualifications in spring 2014 which will allow the new bridge for the St. Lawrence to be in service by 2018.
While the final design for the new bridge will only be determined once the procurement process is finished, it will meet high quality standards and have six lanes for traffic, a dedicated corridor for light rail, as well as a multi-use path.
Quick Facts
On October 5, 2011, the Government of Canada announced that it would be building a new bridge to replace the Champlain Bridge.
This bridge is one of the busiest in Canada, with $20 billion worth of international trade crossing it every year. The Champlain Bridge is a crucial corridor for the regional economy and for Canada as a whole.
Construction for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence will start in 2015. The new bridge will be open by 2018 and the rest of the corridor project will be completed by 2020.
