Despite warnings, CAQ moves forward with 3rd link project for Quebec City's 'economic security'

Premier François Legault is moving forward with the third link project for vehicles despite a warning from CDPQ Infra that a another access point to Quebec City to from the South Shore wasn't justified in terms of gains in mobility. The subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) — Quebec's pension fund manager — recommended a $15.5-billion public transit project and several major transport solutions for the Quebec City region on Wednesday.

Among the proposed projects included rapid bus service and a 35-kilometre tramway network. The report also recommends structuring public transport between Quebec City and Lévis, Que., "via the existing bridges," instead of adding a much-discussed third link for cars.

Reacting to the report in a press conference Thursday, Legault said he supports the transit projects in the provincial capital region and thanked CDPQ Infra for its work over the past six months. He said the government will help the Caisse realize the first phase of the tramway project but said a third link project between Quebec City and Lévis for cars and trucks is still needed. Legault aware of 'loss in confidence' after back and forth In April 2023, the Quebec government scrapped plans to build a third link for vehicles between Quebec City and Lévis.

The decision was made after Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault announced that the third link would be reserved for public transportation only and not be open to drivers. Six months l.