Montreal commits $108M to repair bridges
Opposition leader says it's not enough
CBC News
Posted: Aug 22, 2012 6:28 PM ET
Last Updated: Aug 22, 2012 9:21 PM ET
Almost 60 per cent of the city's infrastructure was built before 1970. (CBC)
The City of Montreal plans to spend $108 million on infrastructure repairs over three years, but city Opposition Leader Louise Harel said that's not enough.
Two thirds of the bridges and tunnels owned by the City of Montreal are in need of repair.
Almost 60 per cent of the city's infrastructure was built before 1970. Over the next three years, the city will focus on repairing 50 structures, 27 of which are in critical condition – 12 more than last year.
The Henri Bourassa overpass is one of the most deteriorated structures in Montreal.
The overpass isn't dangerous for drivers despite being listed as being in "critical" condition, according to Richard Deschamps, the city's executive committee member responsible for infrastructure.
"When we use the word 'critical,' it doesn't meant that public safety is at risk," said Deschamps.
The issue lies in the funding, Harel said.
"The problem is because there are more critical infrastructures than last year but less money to invest," said Harel.
The city said it needs more help from the province, but officials say they haven't heard if any of the political parties would invest more in Montreal's infrastructure.
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