First update of 2018 on the construction of the new Champlain Bridge

MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Safe and secure transportation corridors such as the new Champlain Bridge facilitate trade and create well-paying jobs for the middle class while improving connections across road networks and the continuous and safe flow of people and goods.

This morning, Infrastructure Canada participated in the first update of 2018 on the construction of the new Champlain Bridge with its private partner, Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL), and the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), which is responsible for managing the existing Champlain Bridge.

The project update and site visit highlighted the progress made on the new Champlain Bridge since fall 2017 and the important steps still ahead.

In order to meet the construction goals in 2018, SSL has put in place additional measures, largely consisting of increasing the work force on the site and adding extra shifts. The Government of Canada and SSL confirmed that their objective remains to deliver a quality bridge in December 2018 while ensuring no compromise to the safety of workers and users

Despite major progress at the worksite, the Government of Canada is committed to continuing to ensure the safety of the existing Champlain Bridge and the continuity of service for users. The Government has therefore asked JCCBI to take the steps necessary to allow the current bridge to remain open to traffic until summer 2019, should the need arise.

Quote

"I am satisfied with the progress of the work since last fall and happy to see that the new Champlain Bridge is taking form more and more each day in plain sight of Montrealers. Our priority since the outset of the project has been to deliver a quality bridge in a timely manner without compromising the health and safety of workers and users."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick Facts

Signature on the St. Lawrence highlighted the progress made on the site of the new Champlain Bridge since last fall:

• Overall, 65 per cent of the work on the new Champlain Bridge has been completed, with 35 per cent still to be done by the end of the year.
• Cable-stayed bridge: the main span tower and the back span are 65 percent completed. Erection of the main span which crosses St. Lawrence Seaway is progressing with the first segment supported by cables currently being installed.
• East and West approaches: 17 of the 37 piers caps are erected and more than 100 of the 600 box-girder segments have been installed.

Associated Links

To learn more about the new Champlain Bridge project: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nbsl-npsl/index-eng.html and http://www.newchamplain.ca/

The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated:
http://jacquescartierchamplain.ca/?lang=en

Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada