Mayors consulted on new bridge over St Lawrence

MONTREAL: Consultations on a new bridge over the St Lawrence are continuing with Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, meeting with the mayors of Montreal, Longueuil and Brossard to hear their concerns on the project.

Following a meeting with economic and business stakeholders in the Montreal region last month, Lebel met with the mayors about the future bridge. Topics during the meeting included tolling and public transit, and the cities’ needs regarding the crossing.

“As mayor of Montreal and president of the Montreal Urban Community, I reconfirm to Minister Lebel my complete cooperation,” said Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay, echoing the positive comments about the project from also provided by Longueil Mayor Caroline St-Hilaire and Brossard Mayor Paul Leduc.

Last month, the government announced it will proceed with a new crossing to replace the existing Champlain Bridge. The six-lane bridge is the busiest vehicle bridge in Canada. An estimated 160 million vehicles and $20 billion in international trade cross annually. Preliminary work on the new bridge is progressing, the government said, noting officials would continue to meet with key partners, including representatives of the Government of Quebec.

“The views of the Montreal, Longueuil and Brossard mayors are essential to a good planning process for the new bridge,” said Lebel. “The efficiency of this corridor for drivers, public transit users and truckers contributes to the quality of life of residents and workers of greater Montreal, and is a vital part of the economy of the region and the country as a whole.”