No. H 027/09
For release - February 16, 2009
MONTREAL — The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for Quebec, Madame Julie Boulet, Minister of Transport of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, Monsieur André Lavallée, vice–president of the Executive Committee, responsible for the transportation plan, urban planning, heritage and design for the City of Montreal, Mr. James C. Cherry, president and chief executive officer of Aéroports de Montréal, and Monsieur Edgar Rouleau, Mayor of Dorval, today announced an investment of $224 million to carry out the Dorval interchange redevelopment project — including the Dorval traffic circle and the Highway 20 and 520 interchange.
These investments will solve the recurring congestion problems in the Dorval interchange by creating direct links between the airport and highways 20 and 520, and between these two highways. This redevelopment also includes the northward extension of Dorval Avenue, and the development of safer and more user–friendly networks for pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, the project provides for the necessary right of way for implementation of a future railway shuttle between downtown, the airport and the West Island.
"This project is an example of what the Government of Canada is doing to create jobs, boost our economy and improve the quality of life of Quebecers," said Minister Paradis. "Once this project is complete, this interchange will create a quicker route for commuters and help increase tourism in Montreal."
"The recurring congestion problems faced daily by the users of the road networks in the airport zone must be resolved. The Dorval interchange is strategic for the Greater Montreal economy. This is why the Ministère des Transports du Québec will invest $89 million in its redevelopment and act as principal contractor," Madame Boulet said.
Monsieur François Ouimet, Member of the National Assembly for Marquette, who has been actively involved in the issue since 2003, said he is very happy and proud of the achievement of this major project. "The redevelopment of the Dorval interchange will make travel much easier for the sector's residents, by car, on foot or by bicycle, and will improve public transit services and access to them."
"The redevelopment of the Dorval interchange is the result of a joint planning approach to transportation and land use under our transportation plan. It enhances the visual quality of the gateway to our city. Several components of the redevelopment also contribute to the improvement of public transit service: redevelopment and expansion of the Société de transport de Montréal's (STM's) Dorval terminal; development of sidewalks and a bicycle path to improve access to the STM bus terminal, to the Agence métropolitaine de transport's Dorval commuter train station and to Montreal–Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport; reduction of bus travel times; and, finally, development of the right of way necessary to establish the railway shuttle linking the airport and downtown," said Monsieur Lavallée.
"The creation of direct links with highways 20 and 520 will greatly improve Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport's customer service and competitiveness, because quality of access is crucial for the airport to operate efficiently," said Mr. Cherry. "We are also pleased that the future rail shuttle will be able to integrate smoothly within the new Dorval interchange."
"After 15 years of discussions, I am very happy about the announcement today confirming the beginning of the redevelopment of the Dorval interchange," said Monsieur Rouleau. "The increase in traffic and the disrepair of our infrastructure call for major changes. This is wonderful news for the citizens of the City of Dorval, who will see the elimination of traffic congestion and long delays at rush hour. These improvements will facilitate their mobility, not only by car but also on foot and by bicycle. We greatly appreciate the participation of the federal and provincial governments, and of our local partners."
The realization of this project is the result of a concerted effort by all partners. Under an agreement between Canada and Quebec, the Government of Canada's contribution is $55 million and Transports Québec will invest $89 million. Ville de Montréal and Aéroports de Montréal will allocate $40 million and $20 million respectively to this initiative. In addition, thanks to the Public Transit Capital Trust 2008 created by the Government of Canada, an amount of $20 million will be used to carry out the developments to improve public transit in the Dorval interchange sector.
The redevelopment work on the Dorval interchange will be performed in five phases. The Ministère des Transports du Québec will soon begin reconstruction of eight overpasses, including those serving as the direct links between the airport and Highway 20 to and from downtown. The work will continue until 2013, when construction of the new interchange should be complete.
- 30 -
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
