Same plan, different timing for Liberals and CAQ promising 3rd Quebec CityLvis link

Liberal leader Philippe CouillardandCoalition Avenir Qubec leader Franois Legaultagree that there is need for a third link between Quebec City and itssouth shore suburbs. But they don't agree on the timeline.

While Legaulthas committed to beginning construction by 2020, Couillardsaid that's a fantasy.

"How can they seriously tell the public of Quebec City, looking them in the eyes, that we are going to turn the sod for this project in the first mandate?" Couillard said at a news conference Saturday.

Couillardsaid the issue must be studied to determine the best location for the new crossing, and once the best choice is made, there must be an environmental evaluation of the project and engineering studies.

Optimistically,he said, that means the project could not start before 2026.

The third crossing, to supplement the existing Quebec Bridge and the Pierre-Laporte Bridge, is a major project for the decades, even the century to come, said Couillard. It's unclear right now whether the third link would come in the form of a bridge or a tunnel.

"We are talking about billions of dollars," he added.

Engineering experts have identified five possible crossing points, four of them to the east of the two existing bridges, the fifth to the west.

That choice will be narrowed to three, before a final crossing point is chosen.

Quebec City Mayor Rgis Labeaume, noting that now the destination of most people crossing to Quebec City from Lvis to work or study, is to the west, has said he favours the westerly route.

Neither Qubec solidairenor the Parti Qubcois have expressed the same enthusiasm for the project during the campaign.

'Real vision of development'

Couillard said Saturday that Quebec City has a prosperous economy and a growing population, and needs a comprehensive transport plan.

That includes the third crossing, but also a new transit system, such as the tramway proposal Labeaume favours, and rebuilding of the existing roads network.

Speaking in English, the Liberal leader said when it comes to transportation and mobility, "the Quebec Liberal Party is the only party to have a real vision of development."

Want the latest from the campaign trail? Sign up for CBC Montreal's election newsletter atcbc.ca/ballotbrief