Montreal's expensive new Samuel De Champlain Bridge opened to traffic for the first time this morning, about six months behind schedule.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne was riding in one of the first cars that rolled northbound across the newly built span at 5 a.m.
The 3.4-kilometre bridge over the St. Lawrence River counts three lanes in each direction, plus a central deck for public transit, as well as a multifunctional path for cyclists and pedestrians.
Live from above with @andystandreTVA of @tvanouvelles, the brand new Samuel-De Champlain #ChamplainBridge! pic.twitter.com/4g7bL5GHR0
— François-Philippe Champagne 🇨🇦 (@FP_Champagne) June 24, 2019
It was originally scheduled to open last December, but various delays pushed back the opening and added another $235 million to the original $4.2 billion price tag.
The bridge is open northbound only for the first week — the second phase of the inauguration is set to take place on July 1, when the lanes heading off the island will open.
The crumbling 57-year-old bridge it replaces, which has long been one Canada's busiest spans, will be dismantled over the next three or four years.
A little preview of the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge. Montreal bound lanes opened today. South bound will open on Canada Day.#CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/unLi1L8q0p
— Elizabeth Zogalis (@EZogalis) June 24, 2019
Opening Day of the new Champlain Bridge in Montreal. I think it took $4B and many years to build. pic.twitter.com/yr7GrwoIIu
— Marc Meloche (@mpm311) June 24, 2019
