The replacement to the Champlain Bridge will not be named after Maurice Richard.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel made the announcement Thursday morning, after Richard's family said they were not comfortable with the idea.
"We are taking note of what has been said in recent days," said Lebel.
"After discussions with the family of Mr. Richard and in accordance with their wishes, the name of Maurice Richard has been removed from consideration for the name of the new bridge."
Lebel and the federal government faced a storm of protest from Quebec's intelligentsia after a report about naming the bridge after "The Rocket" was leaked this past weekend.
Richard's family said they would be honoured by the gesture but did not want it to become a controversy.
He did point out he found the nature of the arguments against naming the bridge after the famous Montreal Canadiens hockey player disappointing.
"I found it sad that two great names, two great symbols of our history were put in competition," said Lebel.
However Lebel is not guaranteeing that the bridge named after Samuel de Champlain will keep its name, saying only that a final decision has yet to be made.
The replacement for the Champlain Bridge is expected to be completed in 2018.
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