In Canada, a seven-lane temporary causeway bridge between downtown Montreal and Nuns' Island, initially scheduled to open by early 2015, has finished ahead of deadline and under budget.
Initially, the cost of the key transport structure was estimated at US$111.89 million (CAD 125 million). The temporary bridge is being used by Montreal-bound vehicles initially, with the first users crossing on Monday (6 October 2014). A complete closure of the Champlain Bridge's all Montreal-bound lanes for two days was required for the switch. A dedicated bus lane and a 2.5 metre-wide lane for bikes, which are included in the temporary bridge, will open in December 2014. The vehicles going towards the South Shore can start using the causeway-bridge from 20 October 2014. The temporary bridge is part of a project that will replace the old Champlain Bridge. Tolls on the new Champlain will be installed by the federal government, although the majority of South Shore residents are against the move.
Initially, the cost of the key transport structure was estimated at US$111.89 million (CAD 125 million). The temporary bridge is being used by Montreal-bound vehicles initially, with the first users crossing on Monday (6 October 2014). A complete closure of the Champlain Bridge's all Montreal-bound lanes for two days was required for the switch. A dedicated bus lane and a 2.5 metre-wide lane for bikes, which are included in the temporary bridge, will open in December 2014. The vehicles going towards the South Shore can start using the causeway-bridge from 20 October 2014. The temporary bridge is part of a project that will replace the old Champlain Bridge. Tolls on the new Champlain will be installed by the federal government, although the majority of South Shore residents are against the move.
