The governments of Canada and Quebec have committed a combined C$77.3 million (US$58.3 million) toward implementation of priority measures to improve public transit services on Guillaume Couture Boulevard in Lévis, Quebec.
The project consists of developing two new reserved lanes, totaling more than 4.5 kms (2.8 miles), on the two busiest sections of Guillaume Couture Boulevard in the Desjardins and Chutes-de-la-Chaudière-Est areas. The project also includes widening the roadway, creating waiting areas, modifying traffic lights, adding bus shelters, modifying sidewalks, building bike paths and moving municipal infrastructure.
"This project to create reserved lanes is a really formative project that will make traffic more fluid for public transit and all road users,” said Mayor of Lévis Gilles Lehouillier. “With more efficient public transit services and infrastructure that accommodates active transportation, these improvements will breathe some modernity into Guillaume-Couture Boulevard. The project is without a doubt a very important element in the urban revival of this major axis route in Levis."
The result of the work includes reduced travel times and promoted active mobility through improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The project will also improve access to public transit, meeting the community's immediate needs, while preparing for anticipated increases in future ridership.
"Guillaume Couture Boulevard is one of the busiest roads in Lévis. The addition of priority measures for public transit will certainly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. I am therefore very pleased that the funding has been confirmed and that the project can proceed," said Marie-Ève Proulx, Minister for Regional Economic Development, Minister Responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches Region, Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region, on behalf of François Bonnardel, Quebec's Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region.
The project is estimated to cost more than C$87.9 million (US$66.38 million) in total. The government of Canada will invest more than C$27.3 million (US$20.62 million) in this project, the province of Québec will invest an estimated C$50 million (US$37.76 million) and the Société de transport de Lévis will complete the funding with approximately C$10.6 million (US$8 million).
