There is going to be a new L’Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge — but not until 2029 or 2030, according to documents from Transports Québec.
The structure is a vital link that connects the island of Montreal to its western suburbs.
READ MORE: More construction coming to Highway 40’s Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge
Vaudreuil-Dorion Mayor Guy Pilon says the new bridge will be twice as large to allow for a bike path and reserved bus lanes; there will still be three lanes in each direction.
“For us, it’s a big thing,” he said.
“And for our users it will be fantastic.”
The new link will be built to the north of the current bridge, which has been in service for just over 50 years.
WATCH BELOW: READ MORE: Île-aux-Tourtes temporary photo radar generates around $20,000 a day
Construction on the Highway 40 stretch, connecting Vaudreuil-Dorion and Senneville, has caused a snarl in traffic as lanes have been reduced in both directions due to structural repairs that have gone on for more than a year.
READ MORE: Preliminary plans underway for new L’Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge as traffic woes continue
About 83,000 vehicles use the bridge each day.
WATCH BELOW: Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge under construction again
The cost of repairs has already reached $134 million.
Pilon said with the costs of repairs, he thinks building a new bridge is the right decision.
“The new one will last 40, 50, 60 years,” he said.
READ MORE: Île-aux-Tourtes temporary photo radar generates around $20,000 a day
Planning for the project is estimated to take six years, while construction could be between four to five years.
—With files from Global’s Tim Sargeant
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