Settlement agreement between the Government of Canada and Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL) confirming the delivery date of the bridge and the impact of additional measures

MONTREAL, April 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Ensuring safe and efficient transportation infrastructure such as the new Champlain Bridge facilitates trade and creates well-paying jobs for the middle class that contribute to an improved quality of life for Canadians and a stronger economy.

Over the past two years, the new Champlain Bridge project schedule has been put under pressure due to challenges including load restrictions for the transportation of oversized pieces. In recent months, negotiations have taken place between the Government of Canada and the private partner, Signature on the St. Lawrence (SSL), with the aim of resolving these issues.

Today, the Government of Canada and SSL are announcing that a settlement agreement has been reached. It allows for the recovery, at a fair cost, of construction delays and settles all existing claims related to the transportation issues. The agreement also formalizes the delivery date of the new Champlain Bridge as December 21, 2018 and ends the lawsuit filed by SSL in Superior Court.

The Government of Canada has worked closely with SSL since the beginning of the project to deliver a new, high-quality Champlain Bridge that Montrealers can be proud of.

Quote

"The new Champlain Bridge will continue to play a vital role in the economic future of Montreal and Canada as an improved link at one of the busiest crossings in the country, which supports middle-class jobs and billions of dollars of international trade.

Our priority as a government is to ensure that SSL delivers a bridge of high quality, as soon as possible, without compromising the safety of workers and drivers. I am satisfied that the settlement agreement reached with SSL is consistent with the government's objectives while managing public funds responsibly".

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Quick facts

The settlement agreement with SSL in the amount of $235 million includes:

• $172 million to support additional measures for the recovery of construction delays covering the period between September 2017 and December 2018;
• $63 million to settle all issues related to the transportation of oversized parts;
• Confirmation of December 21, 2018 as the delivery date for the new Champlain Bridge; and
• Withdrawal by SSL of its $124 million Quebec Superior Court lawsuit.

Annual statistics for the Champlain Bridge:

• Approximately 50 million crossings;
• International trade valued at $20 billion; and
• 11 million public transportation users.

Related links

To learn more about the new Champlain Bridge Project: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nbsl-npsl/index-eng.html and http://www.newchamplain.ca/.

Twitter: @INFC_eng

Website: Infrastructure Canada

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2018/13/c3234.html