ABSTRACT
Opened in 2019, the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Canada is one of the busiest bridges in North America. The 3.4-km long-span bridge across the St. Lawrence River is comprised of three structures: A 529 m signature span featuring an asymmetric Cable-Stayed Bridge, a 762 m East Approach, and a 2044 m West Approach. Due to its geographical location, this lifeline structure faces unique engineering design challenges including extreme cold temperatures, ice abrasion, de-icing salt attacks, wind, vessel collision, scour, and seismic hazards, while meeting its design life of 125 years. A comprehensive durability plan as well as access and maintenance plans were developed by the design-build team to address material selections, the corrosion protection system, construction quality and inspection, element replacement intervals, and maintenance equipment, including the under-bridge maintenance gantry (UBMG) and electronic superstructure shuttle/ vehicle as keys to the longevity of the bridge.
