JCCBI invites the public to discover a brand-new section on its website dedicated to the history of the original Champlain Bridge. Featuring a collection of archival materials—including previously unreleased documents, as well as exclusive videos and images—the new section will take you on a journey through the major periods of the bridge’s life, from design to deconstruction.  

Plus, a new feature was added to this new section of the website to provide better accessibility. On every page, the written contents can be read-aloud, in both French and English. 

Credit: Hans van der Aa

TO DISCOVER >

“JCCBI aims to preserve the history of this structure that connected Montreal and the South Shore for 57 years. Over the decades, innovative solutions were implemented to ensure the bridge remained safe and open to traffic until it was ultimately decommissioned and even afterwards, during its deconstruction,” explains Sandra Martel, JCCBI’s Chief Executive Officer. “We hope this digital resource will help to remember the history of what was once an important federal infrastructure.”

A journey through five major periods

The new section of JCCBI’s website takes visitors on a journey through five periods that make up the story of the original Champlain Bridge.

• 1955–1969: The journey begins with a vision for the bridge and the construction work that led up to its opening on June 28, 1962, including exclusive images.
• 1970–1984: This period was marked by multiple inspections showing signs of premature deterioration, and then major rehabilitation work was undertaken.
• 1985–1999: Ongoing rehabilitation work was expanded to cover various structural components of the bridge. In 1998, the bridge weathered the major ice storm.
• 2000–2014: This period saw the use of innovative reinforcement techniques to maintain the bridge. Plus, reflections on the structure’s future are confirmed, and we take a look back at the superbeam event.
• 2015–2025: Once the original Champlain Bridge reached the end of its service life, unique methods were applied to its deconstruction which was carried out with a focus on sustainability that notably allowed for 96% of materials to be recovered.

Exclusive archives for history and engineering enthusiasts

The new section of the website is JCCBI’s way of paying tribute to the multiple generations of engineers, workers and managers responsible for building, maintaining and deconstructing the original Champlain Bridge. It showcases period photographs, technical engineering drawings and videos of the people and events that shaped the bridge’s history, all uncovered through archival research.

Now online

The new section of JCCBI’s website, dedicated to the history of the original Champlain Bridge, is now online. Whether you’re just curious or deeply passionate about history and engineering, it promises to provide a captivating digital experience.