The new Samuel De Champlain Bridge, Canada

Abstract

Opened to traffic on 1 July 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 Montréal 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 temperatures, 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 long bridge is comprised of three independent structures: the 529 m long, asymmetric cable-stayed bridge (which features a single 169 m high tower), the 762 m long east approach and the 2044 m long west approach. The owner used a public–private partnership procurement model and the project was delivered using the design–build delivery method. An overview of this Can$2.4 billion mega project is provided in this paper, and the design and build solutions to overcome the suite of technical and schedule challenges are discussed.