Motorists in Montague will have a safer and smoother drive this winter with the opening of the new Montague Bridge. Today the Government of Canada, the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Town of Montague celebrated the official bridge opening when an antique fire truck was the first vehicle to cross the completed bridge. This $4.9-million infrastructure project was made possible through the Canada-Prince Edward Island Gas Tax Program. This new structure replaces the old bridge, which served the town for over 50 years.
“Safe and efficient transportation infrastructure is a priority for the Government of Canada. The New Montague Bridge will improve safety and provides an important and direct crossing for travellers. It will contribute to our commitment to build strong, sustainable communities through infrastructure projects that support a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and a more secure Canada. Canada’s Government has identified transportation infrastructure improvements, including roads and bridges, as a priority for funding under its Building Canada infrastructure plan,” said Brian Jean, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
“The opening of this new bridge marks another milestone in the development of Island Infrastructure,” said Minister Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “In addition to improving safety and easing traffic congestion, the resulting economic and environmental improvements will have a positive impact on the town and its surrounding area. This bridge is a center piece for the Town of Montague, and I’m so pleased that we were able to assist in making this project a reality.”
“The Province of Prince Edward Island applauds the federal government for seeing the value in replacing the old bridge,” said Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Ron MacKinley. “This new bridge will serve the community for decades to come. It’s a testament to the fact that when different levels of government work together, great things can be achieved.”
"The Town of Montague is thrilled to have a beautiful new bridge,” said Montague Mayor Pat McGowan. “The federal funds, and the hard work of our provincial engineers and contractors have provided Montague with one of the finest bridges in the Province. The increased width plus pedestrian walkways will allow for better traffic flow, and the attention taken to blend the bridge with our streetscape plan will provide a boost to our economy by providing an attractive visual impact for our merchants."
Through the Gas Tax Agreement, the Government of Canada is providing municipalities in PEI with $37.5 million to improve their infrastructure. A total of $11 million of Gas Tax Funding has been earmarked to improve municipal infrastructure provided by the Province, including local roads and bridges. These projects are being carried out by the Department of Transportation and Public Works between 2005 and 2010.
Through its unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan, the Government will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Building Canada will support a stronger, safer and better country. As part of this plan, the Government has extended the Gas Tax Fund by an additional $2 billion per year nationally, from 2010 to 2014.