-- the problem with the A-35 gap seems to be money [...]
Funding is a problem indeed; MTQ once built highways like there were no tomorrow (36% of the Ministry's non-administrative expenditures went into network development, 2004-2014), but the crying lack of maintenance of the infrastructure over the last 20 years is catching up ― big time. Network development now weighs in for 11,7% in 2016 and 8,7% in 2017 budgets.
-- the affected local residents in Quebec want the project to happen[...]
Everybody wants to drive on a freeway but no one wants to pay for it. Typical freerider problem. Put a toll on the gap-filler, and only a handful of motorist will opt for the new option.
Currently, the road ― being 4-lane divided for 6 km and 2 or 3-lane (old chicken lane converted to variable direction passing lane) for the rest ― accomodates 2800-4800 thru and local movements. Also, outside Pike River village, there is an average of one driveway every 1000 feet. A provincial law prevents non-agricultural activities in designated farmlands, so these figures ought not to grow. No passing problem. No volume problem. No danger zone. What's the matter?
"Economic" prestige of having the US border connected to the autoroutes network and local scuttlebutt aside, I hardly see how a bold 4-lane freeway is reasonable.
And I did not mention the social and environmental costs of cutting through the wet, floodable bogs of the Pike River estuary with a gravel dyke; barring the open water from flowing to the Champlain lake is nothing like a good idea in these areas prone to spring floods.
So, yeah, 2030 is optimistic.