Champlain Bridge project earns Envision Platinum

(source: newchamplain.ca)

The New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project has earned an Envision Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) for achieving the highest standards of sustainable development and environmental performance on an infrastructure project.

Envision ratings are given to infrastructure initiatives like roads, bridges and transportation stations that excel in sustainable development and environmental performance at every stage of the project, from design to construction and implementation.

This distinction is the first to be awarded in Quebec for infrastructure on the scale of the new Champlain Bridge, and the first in Canada to be awarded for a bridge project.

“I am very pleased that the New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project has earned the EnvisionPlatinum award. This confirms it is following high standards of sustainable development to ensure the environment is protected,” said Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, in a media release.

Features of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project:

• Active Transportation: Creation of a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians on the new Champlain and Île-des-Sœurs bridges that will connect Brossard and Montréal (Île-des-Sœurs and Verdun).
• Durability: The Government of Canada’s holistic approach to durability will give the new bridge a useable lifespan of 125 years.
• Design flexibility: The storm water drainage system for the New Champlain Bridge Corridor was designed to withstand the increase of rain water expected from climate change.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: GHG emissions generated during construction of the new Champlain Bridge have been offset by the purchase of carbon credits.
• Light pollution: The use of LED lights with intelligent dimmers will reduce energy consumption and reduce light pollution that can have an impact on migratory birds.
• Recycling: 45% of construction waste from the demolition of the Île-des-Sœurs bridge and roads was reused on the site and 54% was recycled so only 1% of waste went to the landfill. This also reduced truck traffic and the use of quarry materials as well as GHG emissions.
• Compensation: To offset the inevitable loss of fish habitats, wetlands and migratory bird sanctuaries from the construction of the New Champlain Bridge Corridor, the Government of Canada set up parallel compensation projects to restore marshlands on Lapierre Island in Montréal and create spawning habitats in the Vaudreuil Rapids.