A crack in one of the bridges to the island of Montreal reflects Canada’s growing problems with ageing infrastructure. One lane of the Champlain Bridge will be closed for a month for repairs.
160,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily and officials warn drivers to not switch to other bridges because they will not be able handle extra traffic.
Another major bridge to Montreal, the Mercier Bridge is also undergoing repairs. Instead commuters are urged to use public transit and extra subway cars will be added.
A new bridge will be built at a cost of between $3 and $5 billion and should come into service in 2021.
Infrastructure problems plague drivers
Montreal drivers are also plagued by road closures and detours within the city. Hundred-year-old water pipes are known to burst in winter causing flooding and damaging roads. Part of the roof of a tunnel collapsed in 201, and just off the island of Montreal two overpasses collapsed with fatal consequences.
Municipalities across Canada have pressured the federal government for increased funding for infrastructure projects.
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