Champlain Bridge repair work has made span safer, bridge corporation says

The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridge Corporation says the Champlain Bridge is safe to drive on.

In the past year, 34 trusses have been added to the span to make sure it's structurally sound.

"The Champlain is behaving very well. We have experts that help us to ensure we're addressing the most urgent areas," said Glen Carlin, CEO of the bridge corporation.

A new Champlain Bridge is expected to be builtin three years. By the time it opens, in2018, the bridge corporation will have spent $550 million over the course of nine years to repairthe existingspan.

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In the last year alone, $100 million has beenspent to ensure the bridge is safe.

This past July, an inspection report revealed that the Champlain bridge was in rough shape.

It said the bridge was suffering from cracks, corrosionand surface deterioration.

Carlin said 34 trusses were installed to support the side girdersand 43 more will be added next year.

He also said inspections are carried out regularly.

"If there's any doubt in our mind, if we feel there's a risk, we will not hesitate to start closing lanes," Carlin said.