With construction of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge nearing completion, the Government of Canada announced that The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) has been selected to oversee the deconstruction of the current Champlain Bridge. Deconstruction work will begin in the months following the opening of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge and is expected to take three years.
“Given its mandate, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated is best positioned to undertake the deconstruction of the Champlain Bridge,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Given its extensive knowledge of the current Champlain Bridge, its engineering expertise and its existing relationships with stakeholders. I am also confident that PJCCI will exercise sound stewardship of public funds while ensuring the safety of operations during the project.”
In 2017, JCCBI commissioned a pre‑planning study to explore the different options for deconstruction. During a technical briefing outlining this work they also announced that the estimated project cost is $400 million. This amount includes the deconstruction work, the recovery of materials, the development of assets, and the retention of experts to support JCCBI in advancing the project.
Additional information about the method selected for the bridge deconstruction will be made available in the coming months and public information sessions will be held.
The Champlain Bridge is safe and continuously monitored. In recent years, JCCBI has implemented an effective reinforcement plan for the bridge. Its innovative measures and leading-edge expertise in the repair of this infrastructure have ensured that the structure of the bridge is safe.
Samuel De Champlain Bridge will open to traffic no later than June 2019.