Canada and Quebec contribute $75.2 million for highway and border improvements. (Public...

In July 2002, Canada's Transport Minister David Collenette and Quebec Minister of Transport Serge Menard announced a cost-sharing agreement for a $75.2 million project to develop the corridor along Highway 15 to the Lacolle-Champlain border crossing. The route is the most important trade corridor

The Lacolle-Champlain border crossing is the busiest in Quebec and the sixth busiest in Canada. More than $15 billion worth of exported goods travel through this border crossing annually, and a daily volume of more than 2,000 trucks passed through in 2001.

The Government of Canada will contribute a maximum of $29.5 million for the project, which is designed to improve highway and border infrastructure along the Canadian side of the corridor, enhance safety, and relieve traffic congestion. Federal funding for the project comes under the borders portion of the Government of Canada's Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program.

"This Federal contribution of more than $29 million will help to improve the flow of people and goods across the border and along this corridor, which is a crucial factor in maintaining the vitality of our economy," Collenette said. "These highway and border infrastructure improvements also will help strengthen Canada's economic ties to New York State, which will benefit the people of Quebec."

The project is composed of the following components:

* Realignment and rehabilitation of Highway 15, including safety enhancements such as upgrades to lighting systems and signs

* Construction of a motor carrier safety inspection area at Lacolle (northbound), as well as dedicated lanes to improve access to U.S. Customs inspection booths

* Implementation of ITS for commercial vehicles and installation of a traffic camera

* Other improvements, including the rehabilitation of a rest area, construction of a parking area for trucks, and the installation of a windbreak

This project supports the Smart Border Declaration, signed by Canada and the United States in December 2001.

Transport Canada