Plans to Integrate Bicycle Access on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge
Jacques-Cartier Bridge Bike Path Modernization Project Paused Due to Financial Constraints
The ambitious Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike path modernization project, aimed at enhancing active transportation and addressing safety concerns for cyclists, has been temporarily halted due to financial constraints.
The project, which spanned over three years and involved 13 scenarios, was designed to improve the existing multi-purpose track that engineers from the Parsons-WSP consortium have identified as having numerous deficiencies, making it dangerous for cyclists. These deficiencies include steep slopes, a narrow lane, high cycling speeds, five double barriers, sharp curves, pedestrian presence, conflicts between motorists and cyclists, and numerous lateral obstacles.
The study authors proposed solutions beyond simply widening the multifunctional path on the west side of the bridge. One retained scenario involves widening the multifunctional path and adding a bridge above the intersection leading to Sainte-Hélène Island, midway on the bridge. Another retained scenario recommends widening the sidewalk on the east side of the bridge to create a four-meter-wide bike path. These proposed solutions could potentially reduce the total elevation on the bridge and the gradient or length of some slopes, partially mitigating the issues with the current track.
However, the project has been delayed and is expected to resume only in conjunction with future bridge renovations. There are no immediate plans to restart the bike path modernization independently; it will likely progress as part of larger bridge renovation efforts planned for the future.
The idea of eliminating a motorized lane on the bridge to make way for bicycles was studied, but currently, this solution has been ruled out for "social acceptability" reasons. This approach has been successfully implemented on at least five bridges in Vancouver, Boston, San Francisco, and Brooklyn in recent years.
The minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, who is responsible for federal bridges, had lanes removed from the Burrard and Cambie bridges to allocate them to cyclists when he was mayor of Vancouver from 2008 to 2018. Despite this, Minister Robertson declined interview requests regarding the Jacques-Cartier Bridge cycling project, citing the independence of the state-owned company PJCCI.
Warming in Quebec is two or three times faster than the global average, emphasizing the need for improved cycling infrastructure to promote active transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The cost of the work was estimated between 277 million and 340 million dollars.
[1] Source: Montreal Gazette, The Canadian Press, CBC News
- The government could potentially explore alternative sources of financing for the Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike path modernization project, considering its aims to improve transportation, safety, and promote active lifestyles.
- The industry could provide suggestions and solutions in reforming the home-and-garden sector to accommodate innovative home designs that cater to an increasing number of cyclists, thereby encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle.
- Financial institutions could consider offering incentives or loans for businesses in the industry that adapt their operations to contribute positively to active transportation, such as by creating bike-friendly work environments or implementing bike delivery services.
