The new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge, which links the western tip of the island of Montreal to Vaudreuil-Dorion, does not include space for the upcoming REM transit system — at least not for now.
Quebec junior transport minister Chantal Rouleau made the announcement on Wednesday when she laid out details for replacing the structure.
She said there is currently no plans to include room for the light-rail train on the bridge, but that could change over time.
READ MORE: Citizens push to extend REM light-rail train to Vaudreuil
“The bridge will be made first for buses,” said Rouleau. “And then if the needs are more important, the bridge will be conceived to to receive another technology.”
The REM is expected to be completed by 2023. There is no station currently planned for Vaudreuil.
In February, residents and elected officials from the western suburbs raised concerns over traffic woes. Hudson resident Louise Craig, who called on extending the REM line to the growing area, welcomed that it won’t be entirely ruled out.
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READ MORE: New L’Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge could ease traffic woes
“I’m happy at least it’s there,” she said.
The new bridge will include three lanes of traffic and a reserved bus lane in both directions. There will also be a path accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
It will be built north of the current Highway 40 span, which connects Vaudreuil-Dorion with Senneville.
WATCH: Residents push to extend REM light-rail train
Public consultations on the project will be held in Vaudreuil-Dorion and Senneville on March 18 and March 27, respectively.
The province says a total of 86,000 vehicles use the bridge each day.
READ MORE: Preliminary plans underway for new L’Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge as traffic woes continue
— With files from Global’s Dan Spector
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