Samuel De Champlain Bridge: An iconic artery between Montreal and its South Shore

At sunrise, cyclists cross the Samuel De Champlain Bridge alongside the steady flow of morning traffic – Montreal's skyline in the distance. Later in the day, walkers and rollers pause at one of four lookouts while families push strollers along the multi-use path that stretches across the St. Lawrence River. Since its opening in July 2019, the bridge has been one of the city's busiest crossings, carrying thousands of vehicles each day and, starting in 2023, the city's light rail. It has also become a popular route for active transportation, welcoming more than one million pedestrians and cyclists since. The new bridge corridor has transformed what was once a gap in Montreal's transportation network into part of the city's daily rhythm, while also providing a new vantage point for experiencing the region.   

A defining feature in the urban landscape

When construction began, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge was one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. Its design had to meet the demands of a high-traffic corridor while also accommodating future growth. The final structure spans 3.4 kilometres across the St. Lawrence River, with dedicated corridors for vehicles, the city's light rail, and active transportation. The multi-use path, protected from road traffic, is open year-round and designed for accessibility. More than 7,500 integrated LED lights give the bridge a distinctive presence that has already become a fixture in the city's evening skyline. The lights shift in colour to mark commemorative dates and holidays, adding a vivid and ever-changing highlight to the city's skyline for residents and visitors alike.

Active travel that reflects everyday life

In 2024, the multi-use pathway saw more than 40 percent of its traffic from pedestrians. This steady mix of users reflects its role as more than a commuter route. The path links directly to La Route Verte and other island cycling routes, while also connecting with Brossard, Nun's Island, and other nearby neighbourhoods. Many people use the multi-use path to get to work or school, while others visit for exercise, recreation, or to take in views of the city and river. Its year-round accessibility has made it a consistent part of daily life on both sides of the St. Lawrence. 

Delivered through strong collaboration

Creating a structure of this scale required coordination on every level. The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project was carried out as a public-private partnership, with the Government of Canada investing through an agreement with the Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group to finance its construction. In addition to the main bridge, the project included the new Île des Sœurs Bridge and major upgrades to the federal section of Autoroute 15. At its peak, thousands of workers and specialists from across the country contributed their expertise. Construction progressed with strict attention to safety, environmental protection, and long-term performance, ensuring the bridge will serve the region for generations to come.

A lasting link for regional growth

The Samuel De Champlain Bridge is now a central part of the region's transportation network, supporting travel by road, rail, and active transportation. Its role in connecting two growing population centres reflects the importance of integrating sustainable travel options into large-scale infrastructure. Federal investment in the project has delivered a structure that meets technical demands while also strengthening community connections. With its daily flow of vehicles, light-rail trains, cyclists, and pedestrians, the bridge stands as an enduring link across the St. Lawrence River and a long-term asset for the region's growth.

Quick facts

• The total cost of the project was $4.2 billion.
• The Samuel De Champlain Bridge is a critical freight corridor, supporting more than 20 billion dollars in trade annually between Canada and the United States.
• At 60-metres wide, it is the widest cable-stayed bridge in the world with two cable planes.
• During construction, crews used massive, prefabricated parts which were moved into place by a special transport vehicle nicknamed “Thor la fourmi” (“Thor the ant”).

Video

• Proud Builders - New Champlain Bridge - Signature on the Saint-Lawrence

For more information

• Samuel De Champlain Bridge
• Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor Project