No. H045/05
For release March 23, 2005

HIGHWAY 30: CLOSER THAN IT APPEARS!

QUEBEC CITY – The Quebec Transport Minister and Minister responsible for the Quebec capital region, Michel Després, along with federal Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for Quebec, Jean C. Lapierre, and the Liberal MPs and MNAs of the Montérégie region are happy to announce today that a new phase has begun at the Highway 30 construction site. Transport Quebec and Hydro-Quebec are currently working to move Hydro-Quebec’s facilities to free up the land required in order to complete Highway 30.

Today’s technical meeting and site visit provided media representatives with the opportunity to take note of the nature of the work being performed.

In order to complete Highway 30 between Châteauguay and Vaudreuil-Dorion, 58 electrical towers need to be torn down and replaced with 50 new ones. In total, 22 power lines are affected by the construction work in this area.

"Highway 30 is a high priority for the Government of Canada because it is the key to relieving traffic congestion in the Greater Montreal Area and to the effective movement of persons and goods in our economy," said Mr. Lapierre. "The start of construction demonstrates the governments’ commitment and perseverance in working together to complete Highway 30."

"Moving Hydro-Quebec’s facilities, which requires a $27 million investment, is another step forward in this large-scale highway project," said Mr. Després."The completion of Highway 30 is a priority for Liberal MPs and MNAs in the Montérégie region and for the Quebec government."

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