The Quebec government has announced a $2.7 billion project to replace the deteriorating bridge connecting Île d’Orléans to the mainland, with construction starting west of the existing bridge to meet modern safety standards and accommodate heavier vehicles. The new cable-stayed bridge will feature enhanced safety measures and lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, addressing long-standing transportation and cost challenges for the island’s residents and agricultural producers. Construction complexities include deep sediment excavation and transporting materials by boat due to the current bridge’s weight restrictions. The project, expected to conclude with the old bridge’s demolition by 2033, faces criticism over its escalated costs, nearly sevenfold the initial estimate, and delays attributed to government procrastination.
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