Summary#
Montréal city council approved a direct contract with the Compagnie des chemins de fer nationaux du Canada (CN) to repair the railway bridge over Wellington Street, between De la Congrégation and De la Sucrerie streets in the borough of Le Sud-Ouest. City staff say the goal is to repair the deteriorated bridge and maintain a safe, usable route.
- CN will lead the project, including the repair work, professional services and project management. The work includes repairs to concrete bridge supports and walls, rebuilt structural sidewalks, and replacement railings.
- The project also includes eight additional conduits requested by the Commission des Services électriques de Montréal (CSEM), as well as related sidewalk work.
- Council authorized up to $8,036,936.46, taxes included, for the CN contract, plus $1,205,541.62, taxes included, for contingencies and $11,497.50, taxes included, for City service impacts.
- The work is planned for 2026 and 2027. CN is to hold a call for tenders for the construction work; the supplied materials do not give the number of bids or say whether the winning bid will be the lowest compliant bid.
What it means for you#
- People using Wellington Street: Work is expected to involve traffic restrictions, mainly by routing traffic in opposite directions on the street. The decision does not give specific dates or say whether closures will be needed.
- The City and CSEM: The City must pay for its share of the work, and CSEM must pay for its own. The City authorized its contribution and related spending; CSEM’s estimated share is also included in the project total.
- CN: CN receives the direct contract and will lead the project. The City must sign the budget authorization letter CN requires to continue toward construction.
- Residents generally: The decision does not change taxes, fees, or individual rights.
Money#
The approved total project estimate is $9,253,975.58, taxes included; the materials give a net cost after federal and provincial tax rebates of $8,450,113.16.
- The City’s estimated contribution is $9,019,024.17, taxes included ($8,235,571.21 net of rebates). CSEM’s estimated contribution is $234,951.41, taxes included ($206,082.63 net of rebates).
- The City’s spending includes up to $8,036,936.46 for CN’s work, services and management, a $1,205,541.62 contingency budget, and $11,497.50 for internal City impacts. The contingency is 15%.
- CN requires an advance equal to 50% of the amount requested. The City will pay invoices for actual costs; at the end, CN must charge any excess costs or return unused funds.
- Staff say final costs will depend on the work and tender results. If the City’s share exceeds its estimate, additional funding will be requested. Amounts are allocated to borrowing bylaw 25-026.
What is unclear#
- The final construction price, number of bids and tender result are not yet available.
- The materials do not give a detailed construction schedule or the dates and duration of traffic restrictions.
- The final costs for both the City and CSEM could exceed their estimates; the decision does not set a maximum for any later additional funding.
Case for#
- City staff say the bridge has deteriorated and needs repairs to maintain its function and user safety.
- CN owns or operates the railway and is responsible for the rail components; staff say it must lead the work on the bridge.
- The planned tender process could establish construction pricing before the work proceeds, while the approved contingency provides for uncertain costs.
Case against#
- The City is awarding the contract directly to CN rather than through a City call for tenders. Although CN plans to tender the construction work, the number and results of bids are not known yet.
- The project is a substantial public expense, and both the City’s and CSEM’s shares may rise if actual costs exceed their estimates.
- The decision does not set out detailed traffic-management dates, so the effect on people using Wellington Street remains uncertain.