54,000 vehicles use the bridge every day
Reconstruction on Galipeault bridge
Pincourt - The $98 million reconstruction project of the south structure of the Galipeault bridge, located at the western tip of the Island of Montreal, connecting Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue to L’Île-Perrot is now underway.
The preliminary work, which is estimated to cost $10.5 million, started in mid-September. The work consists, in particular, in rebuilding the south structure of the Galipeault bridge used for eastern travel, and to establish a new lane in both directions. A multi-purpose path is to be integrated on the south side of the bridge, replacing the existing bicycle path and sidewalk. A lookout will be built for pedestrians and cyclists using the bridge. Plans to design the new path-lookout were initiated in 2004 and consultations were held with area organizations and associations in June 2007.
Large car flow
“The Galipeault bridge is of key importance for the metropolitan region. As a major section of Highway 20 in western Montreal, 54,000 vehicles use it everyday. Its reconstruction, along with the addition of a traffic lane in both directions, will improve the flow of traffic in the area and the quality of life of the citizens of Montreal and L’Île-Perrot,” said the Minister for Transport, Julie Boulet, at the press conference; “The construction of a third lane in both directions will no doubt ease the crossing of traffic on and off the bridge. When the work is complete, citizens who regularly use the bridge will see the safety and flow of their commute improve”, said Yvon Marcoux, MNA for Vaudreuil.
“The planned lookout will provide an interesting viewpoint of the tourism area of the old village in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and leisure activities taking place at the base of the bridge,” added Geoffrey Kelley, MNA for Jacques-Cartier.