New Champlain Bridge celebrates one year of construction

MONTREAL — It’s been one year since construction began on the new Champlain Bridge.

Five hundred workers a day are onsite to build the future span, which is estimated to be usable for 125 years.

READ MORE: Champlain Ice Control Bridge re-opens to cyclists and pedestrians

Nevertheless, many commuters said they hope the new structure will be able to handle a possible surge in traffic.

READ MORE: Montreal’s new Champlain Bridge on schedule

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In response, Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre insisted he isn’t worried about future congestion problems if the volume increases.

“Didn’t you get the memo?” Coderre rhetorically asked during a Friday afternoon press conference.

WATCH BELOW: Construction on the Champlain Bridge

2:08 Champlain Ice Bridge open to cyclists

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He then continued to explain the bridge will have a light rail transit system for mass transit users, which should help offset vehicular traffic.

Close to 160,000 cars use the existing bridge every day.

READ MORE: Caisse announces major public transit project to link most of Greater Montreal

The new structure will be toll free and is costing tax payers more than $4 billion to build.

It is expected to be finished and open to the public by Dec. 1, 2018.