MONTREAL, (May 13, 2005) — Quebec is one step closer to the creation of a new 42 km highway stretch as well as two major bridges over the St. Lawrence River and the Beauharnois Canal.

Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre introduced legislation in the Senate to assist in the completion of the highway, enabling the government of Canada to authorize construction of Hwy. 30 once the bill passes.

A special act of Parliament is necessary to authorize the construction of the bridges, since under the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the Minister of Transport does not have the authority to approve the location or plans for a bridge across the St. Lawrence River or the Beauharnois Canal.

The completion of Hwy. 30 involves the construction of a new 42-km, four-lane western segment between Châteauguay and Vaudreuil-Dorion, including a seven-kilometer highway connection. The addition of this segment will provide the Montreal region with a four-lane bypass by 2009, and will help improve traffic flow and the transport of goods in the area, Transport Canada says.

The western segment of the project will include the bridges. The Government of Quebec will oversee the construction and will retain ownership of the additions, including the two bridges.

The federal government — which in 2002 committed $150 million through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund for the project — will have the right to review components of the Hwy. 30 project that could have an impact on navigation, shipping, or any other aspect under federal jurisdiction.

An environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is currently under way to identify possible environmental impacts, suggest mitigation measures, and anticipate any significant negative environmental effects that could result in spite of suggested mitigation measures.