Deconstruction plans for the current Champlain Bridge on track

News release

February 20, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario — The Government of Canada is committed to the renewal of essential infrastructure that contributes to economic growth and community development in the Greater Montreal Area and across Canada.

With construction of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge nearing completion, the Government of Canada announced today that The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) has been selected to oversee the deconstruction of the current Champlain Bridge. Deconstruction work will begin in the months following the opening of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge and is expected to take three years.

In 2017, JCCBI commissioned a pre‑planning study to explore the different options for deconstruction. During a technical briefing outlining this work they also announced that the estimated project cost is $400 million. This amount includes the deconstruction work, the recovery of materials, the development of assets and the retention of experts to support JCCBI in advancing the project.

Additional information about the method selected for the bridge deconstruction will be made available in the coming months and public information sessions will be held.

The Champlain Bridge is safe and continuously monitored. In recent years, JCCBI has implemented an effective reinforcement plan for the bridge. Its innovative measures and leading-edge expertise in the repair of this infrastructure have ensured that the structure of the bridge is safe.

Quotes

“Given its mandate, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated is best positioned to undertake the deconstruction of the Champlain Bridge. Given its extensive knowledge of the current Champlain Bridge, its engineering expertise and its existing relationships with stakeholders. I am also confident that JCCBI
will exercise sound stewardship of public funds while ensuring the safety of operations during the project.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 

“On behalf of The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, I want to thank Minister Champagne for his confidence in our organization. We will apply our experience and expertise to take on this ambitious and unique project that will be carried out according to the principles of sustainable development.”

Paul T. Kefalas, Chair, Board of Directors of The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated

Quick facts

  • JCCBI is a Crown corporation with a mandate to operate and maintain multiple federal structures located in the Montreal area, including the current Champlain Bridge, the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Honoré-Mercier Bridge (federal section), the Melocheville Tunnel, the Bonaventure Expressway and Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure. 

  • The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project is being built as a public-private partnership with Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL). In addition to the conception and construction of the corridor, SSL will be responsible for operating it for a 30-year period.

  • Samuel De Champlain Bridge will open to traffic no later than June 2019.

Associated links

Contacts

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated
Nathalie Lessard
Director, Communications
NLessard@pjcci.ca
450-651-8771, poste 2232

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