MONTREAL – Construction of the new Champlain Bridge is well under way.
As it’s set to be delivered by the end of 2018, a new feature could be included with the state-of-the-art structure: a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h.
Infrastructure Canada has issued orders to the consortium building the bridge that it be able to handle the higher limit.
However, no decision has been made.
Federal officials need to consult with Transports Quebec first.
Still, some drivers are already welcoming a faster speed limit on the new bridge.
The current maximum is 70 km/h.
“If we can have less traffic, why not? let’s try it,” one motorist said.
A higher speed limit may reduce the driving time crossing the bridge, but it may not improve traffic congestion.
At least one urban planning professor told Global News the bottle neck problems occur as people exit the bridge and approach the island.
Forced mergers onto reduced lanes are the main culprit.
“There are a lot of problems with connections of roads and things get bogged down. So, we’re still facing traffic jams regardless,” said David Hanna, UQAM Urban Planning professor.
More than 160,000 drivers use the Champlain Bridge every day, making it the busiest span in Canada.
Hanna argued the best way to reduce the congestion is to encourage more mass transit use, but convincing people to abandon their vehicles in a culture addicted to cars isn’t easy.
Hanna admitted there is no quick fix.
“Again, we’re faced with traffic problems that never end and I’m afraid that is just the reality,” he said.
The new bridge will boast three lanes in each direction with a permanent one for mass transit use in the middle.