The builders of the new Champlain Bridge say they remain on track to have the new Champlain Bridge ready on time, despite some delays.
The consortium responsible for construction gave a progress report on Friday. It insists the project will be done by December 2018, despite strikes by construction workers and engineers over the past year, and issues getting heavy equipment and material to the building site. Those were caused by weight restrictions on Montreal's existing bridges.
To make up for the lost time, the consortium responsible for construction says it has added 25 per cent more workers, and even added a second shift. Workers are on site for 20 hours per day.
The timetable is tight, and the consortium is hoping a mild winter will help speed the construction process along. However, it suggests if there are other problems, there are plans to extend the life of the existing Champlain Bridge, should it come to that.
The old bridge, first opened in 1962, could remain functional until 2020, but it will cost money for upkeep — another $250 million.