Éric Duhaime proposes Île d'Orléans bridge as third link

Éric Duhaime, leader of the Parti conservateur du Québec, proposes using the future Île d'Orléans bridge as a third link across the St-Lawrence River.

The proposal arrives roughly two months before the provincial election ^[1]. It ignites a debate over regional mobility and urban planning in Quebec City, pitting political growth strategies against the practical concerns of the transport industry.

Duhaime said the project would improve regional connectivity and support economic growth. He previously described the current CAQ project as "ridicule" ^[2].

However, the Union des camionneurs du Québec (UPA) warned that the plan is flawed. A spokesperson for the UPA said using the future Île d'Orléans bridge as a third link would create significant traffic jams for truck drivers ^[3].

Local government officials also expressed opposition. Québec Mayor Bruno Marchand said it is impossible to sacrifice the Samuel-de-Champlain promenade for a third link ^[4]. The promenade is a key piece of urban infrastructure that critics argue would be jeopardized by Duhaime's routing.

Contradictions regarding the project's nature have also surfaced. While Duhaime said the government should pursue the project as presented, Christine Fréchette has suggested the current project should be abandoned in favor of a private solution ^[5].

This political friction follows a period of high tension. On July 20, 2026, the Journal de Montréal reported that Duhaime accused Fréchette of attempting to buy votes ^[6].

Duhaime maintains that his vision for the bridge is the most viable way to enhance mobility. Opponents, including urban planners, and the trucking industry, argue that the resulting bottlenecks would outweigh any economic benefits.