The Champlain Bridge (1)

Construction of the Champlain Bridge, 1962

I travelled across the Champlain Bridge from 1976 to 2010; when I began crossing the bridge it was only fourteen years old; now, not all that many years later, I am told that the bridge has only another ten years left, with continued major repairs, until a new bridge is constructed.

I only recently appreciated the bridge's structure since all that we hear is how the bridge is unsafe. 

What I would like to do is to walk the length of the bridge, but this is unlikely...

Champlain Bridge

1958: Beginning of bridge construction.

1962: The Champlain Bridge is opened to the public.

1964: Access to Atwater and La Vérendrye Blvd is opened.

1967: Bonaventure Expressway is opened.

2009: Due to age and wear to the bridge, major repairs are begun.

2011: In October, the Federal Government announces plans for the construction of a new bridge.

This is the most traveled bridge in Canada. It is a major route from Montreal to Eastern Canada and U.S. States bordering on Quebec.

Traffic on the bridge:

1963: 7,300 cars daily

1968: 33,400 vehicles daily

1989: 109,700 vehicles daily

2010: 156,000 vehicles daily

Personally, I have never doubted the safety of the Champlain Bridge...

A new bridge to replace the Champlain Bridge will cost $6 billion over a ten year period. The Champlain Bridge, constructed between 1958 – 1962, cost $35 million.