Champlain Bridge multi-use pathway opened to public

MONTREAL — Infrastructure Canada has announced that the 3.4-kilometre multi-use pathway on the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in Montreal opened Dec. 23.

The pathway, accommodating pedestrians and cyclists, crosses the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and the South Shore, stated a release. It links up with existing bike path networks in Montreal and Brossard.

The bridge was inaugurated with access for vehicles on June 28. The project was undertaken as a P3 by Infrastructure Canada and the Signature on the Saint Lawrence consortium and includes the Samuel De Champlain Bridge, the Nuns’ Island Bridge and the federal sections of Highway 15 and Highway 10 linking the new bridge to the Greater Montreal transportation network.

The highway portion of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge corridor is now open in its final configuration.

Remaining work, expected to be completed by next summer, includes the completion of one access ramp and road section paving as well as paint touch-ups and landscaping, which cannot be completed during winter.

“Pedestrians and cyclists now have a safe and reliable way to cross the Samuel De Champlain Bridge on a multi-use pathway, year-round,” commented Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna in the statement.

“This marks a turning point for active transportation in the Greater Montreal Area, and reaffirms the Samuel De Champlain Bridge as a modern, efficient piece of infrastructure that meets current and future mobility needs to improve peoples’ quality of life.”