New bridge to improve connection between Île-des-Sœurs and Montreal
News release
An important milestone for the new Champlain Bridge Corridor
Montreal, Quebec, November 9, 2018 – Efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure is key to building more inclusive and liveable communities. These projects improve the quality of life of Canadians by reducing commute times and supporting good middle class jobs.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined today by Members of Parliament Marc Miller and David Lametti and local elected officials to inaugurate the new Île-des-Sœurs Bridge. The bridge is an important component of the new Champlain Bridge Corridor project, linking Île-des-Sœurs to the island of Montreal and connecting travellers along Highway 15 to the new Champlain Bridge.
The new Île-des-Sœurs Bridge will officially open to traffic in both directions on November 12, 2018 by 5:00 a.m. It features four traffic lanes in each direction and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists that will be open year-round. This enhanced crossing will ensure better traffic flow between the island of Montreal and Île-des-Sœurs while also encouraging increased use of active and public transportation options as one of the bridge’s lanes will be reserved for buses.
Minister Champagne tsslook the opportunity of the inauguration to thank everyone who contributed to the design and building of the bridge. He also recognized the patience of local residents, and particularly those living on Île-des-Sœurs, whose lives have been impacted as result of work on the entire new Champlain Bridge Corridor.
The Minister outlined measures that are already being taken by Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL) including improved synchronization of traffic lights to keep traffic moving and enhanced signage which will come into effect when the bridge opens on November 12.
He also confirmed additional measures being implemented by SSL and Infrastructure Canada in collaboration with the City of Montreal and the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated to further address congestion and ensure safety on local roads this winter. Together, these efforts will help reduce traffic difficulties in the area and improve the quality of life of residents and travelers.
Quotes
“The completion of the Île-des-Sœurs Bridge is an important milestone for the new Champlain Bridge corridor. I thank all the workers and project staff whose collaboration and hard work is ensuring that the redesign of Montreal’s busiest crossing will meet the region’s long-term transportation needs.
I also commend all the residents of Île-des-Sœurs for their patience and understanding over the last three years. We recognize the daily challenges you have faced living in the midst of one of the largest construction sites in North America. We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to implement additional measures to improve mobility in your community as we look towards the finish line of this project.”
The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“I thank the residents of Île-des-Sœurs for their resilience and collaboration as they have lived through the last three years of major construction in their community. Despite the challenges this has presented, you have remained optimistic and engaged. I assure you that the many benefits of the new Champlain Bridge corridor will become clear in the months to come. In the meantime, we are committed to working with our partners to find ways to improve your daily commute so you can spend more time with your loved ones and less time in traffic.”
Marc Miller, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs
Quick facts
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When the new Île-des-Sœurs Bridge opens to traffic by 5:00 a.m. on November 12, four lanes will be available to traffic heading north, including one reserved for public transit. Southbound, three of the four lanes will be available as the fourth will be used for work on the new Champlain Bridge.
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On October 25, 2018, Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL), the private consortium responsible for building and operating the new corridor, announced that despite the progress that has been made over the last few months, the new Champlain Bridge will not be ready to open to traffic this December. The main structure of the bridge will be complete by December 21st, 2018, and the bridge will be open to traffic no later than June 30, 2019.
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The completion date for the entire corridor is October 31, 2019. Construction of the Réseau Express Metropolitan (REM) on the bridge will commence only once the new Champlain Bridge Corridor is complete.
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Contacts
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada