Everything you need to know about this project

When?

• Work starts: Spring 2022
• New bridge put into service: Fall 2023
• Work ends: Spring 2024

Where?

• île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève;
• A few metres east of the current bridge, over the Rivière des Prairies;
• On the southern and northern approaches, between Boulevard Gouin Ouest (island of Montréal) and Rue Cherrier (île Bizard);
• Parc Denis-Benjamin-Viger.

What? 

• Development of four traffic lanes, one more than on the current bridge; 
• Construction of a two-way bike path and wider sidewalks;
• Redesign of approaches up to the intersections;
• Complete reconstruction of the roadway, water and sewer lines and street lighting;
• Reconstruction of electrical networks and cabling;
• Redevelopment of Parc Denis-Benjamin-Viger;
• Planting of trees and vegetation;
• Construction of a lookout in the middle of the bridge;
• Installation of urban furniture.

Initial project

In the first phase of the project, the old Pont Jacques-Bizard was going to be converted into a pedestrian bridge once the new bridge was built. This proposal would have retained infrastructures (electrical network, waterworks and telecommunications services) underneath the old structure. 

Since then, the concept of the new bridge has been enhanced. Infrastructures will be moved, and a wider sidewalk and bike path will be created.  A four-metre-wide bike path will also ensure that emergency vehicles can get through if lanes of traffic are blocked.

Decision about the current bridge

Built in 1966, the Jacques-Bizard bridge is the only road link to île Bizard. 

Since the new bridge will address long-term mobility needs, promote active transportation and assure key services to residents of Île Bizard, the decision was made to dismantle the old bridge in the second phase of the project.  The new structure will meet long-term mobility needs and promote active travel. The infrastructure put in place will continue to provide water and electricity to the population of île Bizard.

In order to conserve the old structure, an investment of several millions of dollars was necessary to transform and maintain it. The current bridge was built in 1965 and will soon reach the end of its useful life. 

A life span of 100 year

The design of the new bridge has been carefully thought out to ensure a life span of approximately 100 years, 40 years longer than the existing structure. The choice of innovative and quality materials (galvanized reinforcing steel, high performance coating, improved drainage system, etc.) will reinforce the bridge’s resistance to de-icing salts and the freeze-thaw cycle that damage the concrete and steel.