Renouveau La Fontaine secures $850m Lafontaine Tunnel contract

The consortium of Renouveau La Fontaine has secured a C$1.14bn ($850m) contract to renovate the Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine Tunnel in Quebec, Canada.

The contract, awarded by the Quebec Ministry of Transportation, includes the rehabilitation of the tunnel, as well as the renovation of access roads.

Opened in 1967, the Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine Tunnel runs beneath the Saint-Lawrence River. It serves as an important transport corridor for the Montreal urban area, connecting the eastern part of the Island of Montreal to the city of Longueuil.

Around 120,000 vehicles use the 1.5km-long tunnel every day.

The project will involve repairing the tunnel structure, upgrading all electrical, electromechanical and supervisory infrastructure, installing new fire safety and smoke evacuation systems, and landscaping and architectural work.

The work package also includes widening the A20 motorway to improve access, as well as the renovation of an interchange and other pavement works.

As agreed, Renouveau La Fontaine consortium will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the various sites and roads during construction.

Project works are scheduled to be carried out between early 2021 and July 2025.

Once complete, the renovation is expected to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion in the tunnel.

The Renouveau La Fontaine consortium comprises VINCI subsidiaries Eurovia and Dodin Campenon Bernard, and Canadian firm Pomerleau.

Earlier this month, a consortium of VINCI and Graham was selected to design and build the southern segment of the ring road around Calgary in Alberta. The contract values €183m.