More facts and figures

The new western section of Highway 30, between Châteauguay and Vaudreuil-Dorion, was a huge undertaking that cost $1.5 billion.

Opening: On Saturday, the new roadway will be opened in phases, beginning at 9:30 a.m. By 1 p.m. all highway entrances and exits will be open, according to the private consortium that built and will operate the highway.

Inauguration: Quebec and Ottawa both contributed to the project and their respective transport ministers, Sylvain Gaudreault and Denis Lebel, will officially cut the ribbon at a ceremony in Beauharnois on Monday at 10 a.m.

Length: The new section of Highway 30 stretches across 35 kilometres. Another sevenkilometre highway, known as Highway 530, will connect Highway 30 to Route 201 in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

Structures: The new section of Highway 30 includes one tunnel, two major bridges, eight interchanges and 23 overpasses.

Toll bridge: Users will only pay a toll if they cross a bridge across the St. Lawrence River that links Salaberry-deValleyfield and Les Cèdres.

Cost: $1.50 per trip for cars; $1.15 per axle for trucks.

Payment: Users can buy a transponder that allows them to pay tolls electronically by slowing down to 20 kilometres per hour near toll booths. Cash and credit cards (MasterCard or Visa) are also accepted at toll booths.

Toll lanes: There will be seven in each direction, one of which will be reserved at all times for vehicles equipped with transponders.

Motorized only: Cyclists and pedestrians will not be allowed on the toll bridge.