Government of Canada continues progress on new bridge for the St. Lawrence, issues a request for proposals for 3D terrain modelling and land surveying services

OTTAWA, July 12, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada has issued a request for proposals for 3D terrain modelling and land surveying services on request for the construction of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence.

"Building a new bridge for the St. Lawrence continues to be a priority for the Government of Canada. Digital 3D terrain models are essential tools for the next steps in the design of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence," said Minister Lebel. "The project is progressing well and we are keeping to the schedules. We are having regular discussions with key stakeholders, and are working on the environmental assessment and the business case."

The request for proposals aims to support the technical aspects of the project. It includes the following activities:

• aerial photography;
• surveys by 3D laser scanning on land and other conventional methods where modelling from aerial photography is not appropriate;
• manipulation of data collected to develop digital models of terrain and existing infrastructures in the project area for the new bridge for the St. Lawrence.

The request for proposals, which is being handled by Public Works and Government Services Canada, is posted and available free of charge at www.buyandsell.gc.ca, a Government of Canada Web site. The contract award should be announced in September 2013.

On October 5, 2011, Minister Lebel announced that the Government of Canada would be building new infrastructure to replace the Champlain Bridge. This bridge is one of the busiest in Canada, with $20 billion worth of international trade crossing it every year. The Champlain Bridge is a crucial corridor for the regional economy and for Canada as a whole. The project also meets the objectives of Canada's gateway strategies.

SOURCE: Government of Canada

For further information:

Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities,
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada
for the Regions of Quebec, and
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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