Ontario Construction News staff writer
A tunnel to be built under the St. Lawrence River connecting Quebec City and Levis, Que., will cost $7 billion, take 10 years to complete, says Quebec Premier Francois Legault. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022.
The tunnel was a major campaign promise for Legault’s Coalition Avenir Quebec.
“We’re delivering the goods,” Legault said at a press conference after announcing details of the project.
Legault said the cost of the tunnel project could increase by as much as 35 per cent due to borrowing and other unexpected construction-related costs.
The 8.3-kilometre tunnel will have a lane dedicated for electric buses and will become the third road link connecting Quebec City to the south shore. Its diameter will be 19.4 metres, traffic will be distributed on two levels and it’s expected 50,000 cars will use the tunnel per day.
Legault said he hopes the federal government will provide a “significant amount” of money to help finance the project.
It is the second major project announced this year by Legault. The first was a $3.3-billion, 20-kilometre tramway system expected to be completed in 2027.