Here's a construction project that will be ready three years sooner than expected – the St. Lawrence Bridge. It will be ready to replace the Champlain Bridge in 2018 rather than 2021.
"Concrete actions to move the project ahead have already been taken," said Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure and of Economic Development Agency for the Quebec region.
The proposed bridge will span the St. Lawrence River and connect the Island of Montreal to the South Shore.
The crossing is one of the busiest in Canada and vital to the regional and national economy, Lebel said.
About $20-billion crosses the Champlain Bridge in trade annually.
"No effort will be spared to deliver this project on time and within budget, keeping travelers and goods moving safely and efficiently through this important trade and transportation corridor," Lebel said.
And the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ) is happy to hear it.
"In recent weeks, the carriers have expressed their concerns about the situation facing the Champlain Bridge. For us it is a crucial issue that requires our attention, and the announcement from Minister Denis Lebel is a token of recognition of the economic and strategic importance of this transport corridor for the whole country," said Marc Cadieux, the association's CEO.
The Champlain Bridge remains under construction after authorities found a two-millimetre-wide crack in one of the bridge's supporting girder.
