MONTREAL, Que. — The Government of Canada has decided to proceed with a new bridge across the St. Lawrence in Montreal.

“Building a new bridge across the St. Lawrence is vital to the economic growth of Montreal and the region, and is beneficial to Canada as a whole,” said Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “This is a major infrastructure project that will bring benefits for years to come by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in this busy corridor.”

After careful reviewed of the pre-feasibility and assessment studies that have already been done, the government concluded that a new bridge is necessary. Over the coming months, government officials say they will hold important discussions with partners to determine the most efficient way of moving the project forward. The feds will also examine the creation of a public-private partnership to build the new bridge and the use of tolls.

The government will also consider bridge governance options, including what role Quebec could play in the project. Officials say they will work with the private sector to ensure that the construction of the bridge is done at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Until a new bridge can be built, the Government of Canada will continue to ensure that the existing Champlain Bridge remains safe. “The safety and security of people crossing the Champlain Bridge every day are a priority for our government,” said Minister Lebel. “Since 2009, we have announced significant investments totalling $380 million to keep this important bridge safe for all who use it.”

Studies and preliminary work, including gathering the views of key stakeholders, including regional mayors and the province, will be part of the process. “All decisions will be taken in a fiscally responsible manner,” officials said in a release. “A tunnel option is not being pursued because it would be significantly more expensive to build and operate.”