Canada releases C$5bn bridge plan

Transport Minister Denis Lebel said the project to replace the Champlain Bridge – the busiest bridge in Canada – would be carried out under a public-private partnership and would create 30,000 jobs.

"The decision has been made, and I can tell you there will be a new bridge over the St. Lawrence River,'' he said.

Lebel added the government favours a toll system and PPP, which he said will cost "federal taxpayers little".

Construction commencement dates have yet to be confirmed but studies into the environmental impact of the bridge will begin shortly.