Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, today announced a major Government of Canada investment to replace the Des Allumettes Bridge, which connects Pembroke, Ontario, and Allumettes Island, Quebec. Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno joined MP Cheryl Gallant for the announcement.
“Investments in projects like these demonstrate our Government’s commitment towards maintaining the highest standards for our public infrastructure,” said MP Cheryl Gallant. “I am pleased to announce this investment in our community that will create jobs and maintain the safety of the Des Allumettes Bridge for years to come.”
The two-lane Des Allumettes Bridge, built in 1957, spans the Ottawa River and is important to the economies of both Pembroke and Allumettes Island, as well as area industries, particularly forestry, retail and tourism.
“My top priority remains the economy, jobs and public safety,” said Cheryl Gallant, MP. “Through investments in public infrastructure, our Government is not only creating jobs in the Upper Ottawa valley but also ensuring safe access to these structures for the public.”
The Des Allumettes Bridge is a vital infrastructure and provides a link between the communities and industry located on both sides of the Ottawa River and is used by approximately 5,000 vehicles every day. The surrounding communities rely on the bridge for access to employment, shopping, education, health and other services, and tourism and outdoor recreation activities as well.
A new bridge will be built next to the current Des Allumettes Bridge, which will be removed once the new bridge opens. The work is expected to start in the spring of 2013, and it is anticipated that it will be completed by 2016.
Public Works and Government Services Canada is committed to a fair, open and transparent tendering process, which will be conducted through the Government Electronic Tendering System (MERX).