The Champlain Bridge must be deconstructed mainly because 80% of its load is the bridge itself. We know that, over time, the bridge will deteriorate. That is why it has been reinforced to accommodate traffic, but it continues to deteriorate. The reinforcement measures taken were temporary. This reinforcement work therefore has a limited lifespan.
In addition, shortly after the new bridge is commissioned, parts of the existing bridge will have to be demolished because the two bridges are very close at their ends. Demolition work will therefore have to be done to complete the new bridge.
Everything involved in maintaining the structure over the long term would cost at least $4 to $7 million per year, even if the bridge were unused. So an investment would still need to be made. If a beam were to fail, for example, if only because of its own weight, action would need to be taken.
That is why we made the decision to deconstruct the bridge.