New Champlain Bridge facing delays

MONTREAL, QC – Striking workers and transportation of oversized pieces have set the new Champlain Bridge back.

In an update this morning, bridge partners Infrastructure Canada, Signature on the Saint Lawrence (SSL) and The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), said the bridge had been facing pressure recently and was working to overcome the time constraints.

Quebec saw striking workers in its construction sector this summer, which was the most recent stressor putting the project behind, the groups said.

Although the project is behind schedule, the government and SSL said they have decided to implement an accelerated schedule in order to complete the bridge by the original December 2018 deadline.

The Government of Canada also has the challenge of ensuring that despite the increased construction, the existing bridge remains unaffected and safe for users, while maintaining public funds.

The federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi, asked JCCBI to assess the possibility of extending the length of service of the existing bridge, in case the new project doesn’t finish on time.

Since construction began in June 2015 the project has made progress that includes installation of all of the bridge’s marine foundations, completion of piers and installation of pier caps, progression on the main pylon of the cable-stayed bridge, and installation of the first box girders of the bridge just last month.

The Champlain Bridge will have three corridors, one for public transit and two for vehicle traffic. The new bridge is said to have a lifespan of 125 years, once complete.