No. H 071/09
For release - May 20, 2009
MONTREAL — The Government of Canada's commitment to improve the economy through investments in infrastructure was demonstrated today when the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, announced a $212-million contribution to rehabilitation projects for Montreal's Champlain Bridge. This investment follows a request from Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated to accelerate funding for a 10-year rehabilitation program starting in 2009.
"Investing in infrastructure projects such as the Champlain Bridge is part of our Government's Economic Action Plan which aims to help us pave the way for a better future for everyone living in Montreal and surrounding areas," said Minister Paradis. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, key investments such as the one we are making in the Champlain Bridge will help keep our economy moving through tough times and ensure that Quebec and Canada emerge stronger than ever."
Like most bridges built in the 1960s, the Champlain Bridge undergoes regular maintenance to ensure its continued safety. However, in order to preserve the safety of the bridge for the future, Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated has developed this comprehensive ten-year repair program to implement specific projects outside the scope of annual maintenance and regular repairs. Disruption for commuters, truckers and travellers during the bridge's rehabilitation will be minimal, as most of the work will be executed underneath the bridge and during off peak hours.
In addition to these rehabilitation projects, Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated and the Ministère des Transports du Québec will soon be tendering a pre-feasibility study to examine long-term options for the Champlain Bridge including public transit alternatives that will allow the federal government to make sound decisions for the future.
This commitment illustrates that the safety and security of federal bridges and infrastructure renewal are a priority for the Government of Canada. Investments like this will help Canada emerge from the current economic crisis with a more modern infrastructure.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca
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The six-lane Champlain Bridge opened to traffic on June 29, 1962, and has become one of the busiest bridges in Canada, with an estimated 58 million vehicles using it every year. It also represents an important route for truckers going to and returning from the United States. The Champlain Bridge has experienced growing levels of traffic since its construction, almost 50 years ago.
Like most bridges built in the 1960s, the Champlain Bridge undergoes regular maintenance to ensure its continued safety. As well, a team of experts conducts annual inspections on the bridge. There are also specialized monitoring instruments installed on the structure, which allow for immediate notification and response.
Although the bridge is safe and secure for all Canadians and travellers, it requires additional repair work over the next 10 years to ensure that it remains safe and secure for everyone using it, and that it can continue to carry the volume of traffic forecast.
Canada's Economic Action Plan identified $212 million in funds to renew federal public infrastructure by renewing the Champlain Bridge. Specifically, the repairs will include the rehabilitation and the reinforcement of all parts of the bridge, from the pier caps – which support the deck – to the replacement of deck joints and the reinforcement and post tensioning of beams, which provide additional support for the bridge.
Disruption for commuters, truckers and travellers during the bridge's rehabilitation will be minimal, as most of the work will be executed underneath the bridge and during off peak hours.
In addition to rehabilitation projects, Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated and the Ministère des Transports du Québec will soon be tendering a pre-feasibility study to examine long-term options for the Champlain Bridge that will allow the federal government to make sound decisions for the future.
Any long-term solution will take into account the safety and security of users, value-for-money for taxpayers, the reduction of traffic congestion and environmentally friendly transportation alternatives such as public transit.
May 2009
