PRESS RELEASE For immediate release

Inauguration of the architectural staircase of the in the sector

Longueuil, June 27, 2018 – This morning, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) inaugurated the new architectural staircase connecting the Jacques Cartier Bridge to Saint-Charles Street West in Longueuil. This staircase will help pedestrians access the bridge in the sector of the Longueuil metro station. Ms. Sherry Romanado, Member of Parliament for the riding of Longueuil – Charles-LeMoyne performed the ribbon cutting alongside Mr. Éric Bouchard, Ville de Longueuil councillor in the Saint-Charles district and member of the executive committee, and Mr. Glen P. Carlin, Chief Executive Officer at JCCBI.

In spring 2017, JCCBI started building an imposing galvanized-steel staircase that is almost 19 metres high and has 6 landings. The staircase also has 55 linear light fixtures built into the handrails, which will keep pedestrians as safe at night as they are during the day. Once the structure was in place, the slope next to the stairs was revegetated using an innovative “soil nailing” technique, which has reduced the project’s carbon footprint while increasing its resilience to climate change. To complete the rehabilitation, almost 1980 trees and shrubs were planted (23 species in all), and the slope was seeded with grass.

“In addition to its utility, the architectural staircase and surrounding landscaped area were designed to last and enhance the Jacques Cartier Bridge’s integration with its urban surroundings on the Longueuil side,” said Glen P. Carlin, Chief Executive Officer of JCCBI. “We are proud of this project that will improve both the user experience and user safety. The project was also carried out on time and on budget.”

“I’m delighted that the residents of Longueuil – Charles-LeMoyne who get around on foot now have better access to the Jacques Cartier Bridge. I am sure that this staircase will make it easier for pedestrians to get to the Longueuil metro station or bus terminal. What’s more, JCCBI’s landscaping project around the staircase will enhance the sector while reducing its environmental footprint,” said Ms. Romanado, Member of Parliament for Longueuil – Charles-LeMoyne.

“We are very excited to open this architectural staircase so that all pedestrians can safely access the Jacques Cartier Bridge. This project fits perfectly with the Ville de Longueuil’s goal to promote active and safe transportation,” added Sylvie Parent, Mayor of Longueuil.

For real-time information about JCCBI’s work, follow the Twitter accounts for each of our structures: @pontChampBridge, @pontJCBridge and @pontHMBridge. To plan their travel, users can consult the live traffic page of our website, which includes a dashboard with traffic cameras, in-progress road closures or obstructions, and the seven-day work schedule. Users can also get text or email alerts about major closures or emergency work.

About JCCBI As a manager of important infrastructure, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated is a Crown corporation established in 1978 that is responsible for the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Champlain Bridge, the Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure, the Île des Sœurs

Bypass Bridge, the federal sections of Bonaventure Expressway and the Honoré Mercier Bridge, as well as the Melocheville Tunnel. The Corporation manages, maintains, and repairs these important structures to ensure the safe passage of thousands of users every day. It also ensures that these critical structures remain safe, fully functional and aesthetically pleasing both today and in the future. www.JacquesCartierChamplain.ca

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For more information Nathalie Lessard, Director, Communications Office: 450-651-8771, ext. 2232 / Cell: 514-898-6933 [email protected]

Claudia Carbonneau, Communications Advisor Office: 450-651-8771, ext. 2533 / Cell: 514-236-4093 [email protected]