(Quebec) The Minister of Infrastructure, Jonatan Julien, suggests that the cost of the Quebec-Lévis tunnel project would be revised upwards.
The Press revealed on Wednesday that the reconstruction of the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, in the west of the metropolis, is on track to cost much more than expected. The bill would now be around $2 billion, up about 45%.
Questioned on the subject on Wednesday, Jonatan Julien replied that the cost of all major infrastructure projects is increasing.
When asked if it’s a safe bet that the Québec-Lévis tunnel project will also cost more, as we can see with the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, he replied: “The infrastructures major, there is overheating in the costs. In all major projects, including the two you mention”. He immediately turned on his heels to go to the weekly meeting of the council of ministers. He did not want to give details.
The Legault government has costed its Quebec-Lévis tunnel project at 6.5 billion, the new version of which was presented in April 2022. This estimate is a “maximum”, said the Prime Minister during the election campaign.
The studies commissioned by the government on his project were to be unveiled at the beginning of the year, but they are still pending.