The New Samuel De Champlain Bridge

Abstract

Opened to traffic on July 1, 2019, the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge represents one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America. The rapidly deteriorating condition of the original Champlain Bridge in Montreal led the Government of Canada to accelerate its replacement and ultimately awarded a contract to the Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group, in 2015, to deliver a new replacement crossing. The project was fast-tracked with a schedule of only 48-months from design to bridge opening. Due to its geographical location, this lifeline structure faces unique hazards including extreme cold temperature, ice abrasion, de-icing salt attacks, wind, vessel collision, scour, and seismic, while meeting its design life of 125 years. Sustainability and durability are also important project requirements. The 3.4-km bridge is comprised of three independent structures: the 529-meter-long, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge that features a single, 169-meter-high tower, the 762-meter-long East Approach; and the 2,044-meter-long West Approach. The Owner used a public-private partnership (P3) procurement model, and the project was delivered using the Design-Build delivery method. This paper provides an overview of this $2.4 billion CDN mega project. The design and build solutions to overcome the suite of technical and schedule challenges are discussed.