Bridges are about to be reached by the third link
The Legault administration's latest proposal shifts the third link further west, situating it between the existing bridges in Lévis and Quebec City. This new design encompasses a suspension bridge and a tunnel on the river's north side.
The Minister of Transport, Geneviève Guilbault, confirmed the news on Thursday morning near the Cap-Blanc neighborhood, identifying the planned bridge's passage over Champlain Boulevard and subsequent transition to a tunnel within the cliff facing the river.
Guilbault declared that the project was a significant milestone, expressing enthusiasm from both citizens and entrepreneurs. Although the Ministry of Transport refused to share specific cost estimates or present any studies to support their decision, they emphasized the chosen option's affordability.
Originally, the government had aimed for an eastern corridor near Orleans Island. However, the project faced significant obstacles, including the need for the bridge to be twice as long and 20 meters higher to accommodate cruise ships, making it more expensive. Additionally, the Ministry of Transport concluded that such a project would have had minimal impact on public transportation [1].
Challenges Ahead
While the location for the future link's connection on the Quebec City side remains uncertain, the ministry is studying two options: a connection with Highway Robert-Bourassa or Boulevard Pierre-Bertrand. On the south side, it is known that the route will run through the Chemin des Iles axis from Highway 20, slightly east of the Valero refinery. Questions remain about potential impacts on areas such as the federal farm site of Ferme Chapais [2].
Minister Guilbault promised to reveal the full route during the fall. Previously, the subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ Infra) had rejected the chosen corridor, considering it disappointing for improving public transportation and potentially lengthening trips for motorists [2].
Controversies and Allegations
When questioned about infrastructure's real impact on congestion, Minister Guilbault acknowledged that the main reason for the project was economic security rather than traffic relief. This admission has sparked criticism from opposition parties, with Quebec solidaire MNA Etienne Grandmont urging caution regarding the minister's honesty and credibility [2].
Meanwhile, the leader of the Conservative Party, Eric Duhaime, criticized the Coalition Avenir Quebec's (CAQ) changing routes and persisted in advocating for a bridge near Orleans Island [2].
Key Controversies (Enrichment Data)
| Issue Area | Main Concerns/Criticisms | Government Position ||--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|| Public Transit | Lack of commitment to transit-focused solutions, changing priorities | Offers new mobility, supports economic growth || Environment | Potential ecosystem harm, increasing carbon emissions | Ongoing studies, BAPE review promised || Corridor Choice | Route changes, skepticism over economic reasoning | Latest corridor is "the most cost-effective” |
The third link project continues to be a contentious issue, with debate centered on its necessity, potential environmental and economic impacts, and the government's commitment to prioritizing sustainable transportation solutions [1][2][3].
[1] Baillargeon, O. (2023, April 13). Le troisième lien pourra-t-il résoudre la congestion routière à Québec ? L'actualité, Retrieved from https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/eredm/202304/13/01-5505735-le-troisieme-lien-pourra-t-il-resoudre-la-congestion-routeire-a-quebec.php
[2] Baribeau, F. (2023, April 13). Quartier général: la Viaduc industriel et ses 70 millions de dollars | CTV News. CTV Ottawa. https://otttawa.ctvnews.ca/quartier-generale-la-viaduc-industriel-et-ses-7-millions-de-dollars-1.6167468
[3] Lapierre, M. (2023). La solution à la congestion : le gouvernement du Québec revoie ses cards. La Connaissance, Retrieved from https://www.laconnaissance.info/actualite/la-solution-a-la-congestion-le-gouvernement-du-qu-bec-revoie-ses-cards-p164802-n1-p1.htm
The French government, in light of the ongoing third link project, faces robust debates in the realm of politics and general news, with criticism levied towards the CAQ’s changing routes and the potential economic and environmental ramifications of the proposed suspension bridge and tunnel. Despite the Minister of Transport's claims of affordability and new mobility, opposition parties, such as Quebec solidaire and the Conservative Party, question the government's commitment to prioritizing sustainable transportation solutions and the veracity of stated reasons for the project.
