January 26, 2012

Ottawa launches environmental assessment for new Montreal bridge

MONTREAL

The federal environmental assessment phase of the project to build a new bridge over the St. Lawrence River has officially been launched.

An estimated $20 billion worth of international trade crosses the current six-lane Champlain Bridge each year.

An environmental assessment consists of environmental and technical work to allow decisions on the design of a new bridge to be taken in an environmentally responsible manner. Alternative solutions will be studied and recommendations will be made to mitigate environmental and community effects.

View Larger Map

Transport Canada is leading the work program and the environmental assessment for the project. The public, local advisory councils, the private sector and community groups will have the opportunity to participate and comment throughout the environmental assessment phase.

Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, said the environmental assessment will be an opportunity to continue collaboration with key stakeholders, like the the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs du Québec, the Ministère des Transports du Québec and the municipalities and representatives from the First Nations communities.

The government said it will continue to invest in the safety and security of the federally-run Champlain Bridge, which is in a state of disrepair, until the new crossing is complete. Since 2009, investments totaling $380 million will be used to continue to make the bridge safe. Plans for the bridge were announced in October 2010, which estimated it would take 10 years and $5 billion to build.

Updates on progress and consultation activities will be provided throughout the planning and construction phase. The Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment is available online at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

Print | Comment