Champlain Bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Montreal, Canada
The Samuel-De Champlain Bridge stretches 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) across the Saint Lawrence River, linking Nuns' Island in Montreal to Brossard with eight traffic lanes. The cable-stayed structure features a central tuning-fork tower rising 170 meters (558 feet) above the water.
Construction began in June 2015 to replace the original 1962 structure, which had deteriorated and could no longer handle growing traffic demands. The official opening took place on June 28, 2019, marking completion of one of Canada's largest infrastructure projects.
The bridge carries the name of French explorer Samuel de Champlain, reflecting Quebec's historical ties to France. This naming choice connects modern infrastructure to the region's early colonial period.
The crossing is open to cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, with separate paths provided for non-motorized users. Réseau express métropolitain light rail tracks run along the lower level of the structure.
The structure uses prestressed concrete rather than the usual steel construction, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance needs. The asymmetric design with its off-center tower allows for more efficient distribution of traffic modes across different levels.
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