Government of Canada to build new bridge at Cornwall

Investment will create jobs, benefit local economy

CORNWALL, ON, Aug. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Government of Canada will fund construction of the new North Channel Bridge at the Seaway International Bridge in Cornwall. The announcement was made today by the Honourable John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, and Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, and Keith Robson, chair of the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited.

This project involves constructing a new bridge connecting the City of Cornwall and Cornwall Island, as well as demolishing the current high-level structure and ramps that connect to the existing roadway. While the current bridge remains safe for the travelling public, the new bridge will ensure the long-term viability of this important border crossing.

"The Seaway International Crossing at Cornwall is an important link between Canada and the United States," said Baird. "Through this initiative, our government is creating local jobs and supporting the future economic growth of the region."

"The Government of Canada is committed to creating jobs and working with our local communities," said MP Lauzon. "This project will help reduce traffic congestion, and improve the quality of life for all Cornwall residents and commuters."

"This is a great day for residents of Cornwall and the surrounding areas," said Mr. Robson. "This investment improves the travel experience for visitors and residents, and strengthens the community for the future."

This initiative will cost approximately $75 million and will be financed entirely by the Government of Canada. Nearly all preliminary work has been completed and portions of the construction are now ready to be publicly tendered.

The new bridge will be integrated with recreational pathways along the waterfront. Construction will create business opportunities, encourage redevelopment of properties along Brookdale Avenue, and allow Cornwall and area contractors, workers and businesses to benefit from participating in the project.

The bridge is expected to be open to the public by spring 2016.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

    
                        SEAWAY INTERNATIONAL CROSSING
                        -----------------------------
    

The former Seaway International Bridge is an international toll bridge system linking Cornwall, Ontario, Cornwall Island (Akwesasne) and Massena, New York.

The bridge consists of the South and North Channel bridges. The South Channel Bridge was opened in 1958 and spans the St. Lawrence Seaway. The North Channel Bridge, opened in 1962, connects the City of Cornwall to Akwesasne.

The bridge is a vital transportation route for major industry in the region, handling over 120,000 commercial and 2,300,000 passenger transits annually.

The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited owns and manages some of the most important and strategic fixed-link crossings in Canada. The Seaway International Bridge Corporation, Ltd. (SIBC), a subsidiary company, operates the Canadian portion of the bridge on behalf of the corporation.

In Budget 2006, a $75-million initiative was approved to construct the new North Chanel Bridge. The federal government committed to provide all of the funding for the demolition of the existing high-level bridge and connecting ramps, and for the construction of a new low-level bridge. This investment will help to reduce traffic congestion and improve an important trade link.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is one of the significant partners/stakeholders in this construction and the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited is currently in discussions with the MCA for an agreement on Mohawk participation in the construction. An agreement with the MCA ensures that the impacts and effects on the community have been considered and the project benefits to the Akwesasne community have been optimized.

Through investments in Canada's infrastructure, the Government of Canada is creating jobs, stimulating the economy, strengthening the integrity of federal infrastructure, as well as supporting trade and Canada's competitiveness.

For further information: Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055 or 613-991-0700