The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined on Nov. 9 by Members of Parliament Marc Miller and David Lametti and local elected officials to inaugurate the new Île-des-Sœurs Bridge. The bridge is an important component of the new Champlain Bridge Corridor project, linking Île-des-Sœurs to the island of Montreal and connecting travellers along Highway 15 to the new Champlain Bridge.
The new Île-des-Sœurs Bridge officially opened to traffic in both directions on Nov. 12. It features four traffic lanes in each direction and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists that will be open year-round. This enhanced crossing will ensure better traffic flow between the island of Montreal and Île-des-Sœurs while also encouraging increased use of active and public transportation options as one of the bridge’s lanes will be reserved for buses.
Minister Champagne took the opportunity of the inauguration to thank everyone who contributed to the design and building of the bridge. He also recognized the patience of local residents, and particularly those living on Île-des-Sœurs, whose lives have been impacted as a result of work on the entire new Champlain Bridge Corridor.
The Minister outlined measures that are already being taken by Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL) including improved synchronization of traffic lights to keep traffic moving and enhanced signage.
He also confirmed additional measures being implemented by SSL and Infrastructure Canada in collaboration with the City of Montreal and the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated to further address congestion and ensure safety on local roads this winter. Together, these efforts will help reduce traffic difficulties in the area and improve the quality of life of residents and travellers.
“The completion of the Île-des-Sœurs Bridge is an important milestone for the new Champlain Bridge corridor. I thank all the workers and project staff whose collaboration and hard work is ensuring that the redesign of Montreal’s busiest crossing will meet the region’s long-term transportation needs,” said Minister Champagne.
Quick facts:
On Oct. 25, 2018, Signature on the St. Lawrence, the private consortium responsible for building and operating the new corridor, announced that despite the progress that has been made over the last few months, the new Champlain Bridge will not be ready to open to traffic this December. The main structure of the bridge will be complete by Dec. 21, 2018, and the bridge will be open to traffic no later than June 30, 2019.
The completion date for the entire corridor is Oct. 31, 2019. Construction of the Réseau Express Metropolitan on the bridge will commence only once the new Champlain Bridge Corridor is complete. 