Île-aux-Tourtes bridge

Winter ice bridge lifeline returns to relieve Ile aux Tourtes pressure

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

After two years of waiting, residents of off-island areas received welcome news as the historic Oka-Hudson ice bridge officially re-opened recently marking a significant moment for local commuters grappling with ongoing transportation challenges. The reopening couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. With the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge continuing to face significant restrictions and the fourth lane’s opening now delayed, the ice bridge offers a vital alternative route for thousands of daily commuters.

The natural crossing, spanning roughly two kilometers across Lac des Deux Montagnes, transforms a lengthy 80-kilometre detour into a brief 10-minute journey. This winter pathway has become increasingly precious to the community, particularly as ongoing construction work on the Île-aux-Tourtes continues to impact daily traffic patterns. Given the mild weather conditions experienced over the last two winter seasons, the bridge was non-operational.

“The changing climate has made operating the ice bridge increasingly challenging,” Louis Léger, whose family has been involved with the crossing for generations, said. The Léger family’s connection to this vital transportation link dates back to 1909, when they first began operating the summer ferry service.

This year’s opening required extensive preparation and precise timing. Teams worked through bitter cold conditions, methodically building up ice thickness to meet strict safety requirements. The Canadian Red Cross guidelines mandate a minimum ice thickness of 20 centimetres for safe vehicle passage.

The ice bridge operates daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing a crucial link for construction workers heading to major development projects in Vaudreuil-Dorion, including the new hospital site. For many residents, this winter crossing represents more than just a convenient shortcut – it is a lifeline that helps maintain the region’s economic and social connections during the challenging winter months.

Considering weather conditions remain favourable, the ice bridge is expected to remain operational until mid-March. The crossing maintains the same fare structure as the summer ferry service, ensuring consistency for regular users.

For updates on ice bridge conditions and operating hours, road users are encouraged to follow the Traverse Oka-Hudson’s social media channels or visit their website. n

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Ile-Aux-Tourtes construction impacts recreational ice safety

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Residents of Vaudreuil-Soulanges who enjoy winter activities on Lake of Two Mountains should exercise increased caution due to ongoing construction work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced that icebreaker boats will operate in Lake of Two Mountains and Vaudreuil Bay throughout the winter season. These vessels are essential for facilitating material transport and barge traffic during the bridge construction.

“The presence of icebreakers will significantly affect ice thickness in these areas,” warns the Ministry spokesperson. “We strongly urge all residents who participate in on-ice activities to take extra precautions.”

The icebreaker operations will run on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., though this schedule may vary depending on weather conditions and operational requirements. The Ministry emphasizes that it’s the responsibility of individuals to verify ice thickness before venturing onto frozen surfaces.

Public notices about these operations have been posted throughout the region, with local businesses, community centres, sports facilities, and municipal buildings displaying warning signs. The Ministry has made a particular effort to ensure notices are visible in areas frequented by winter sports enthusiasts, including sporting goods stores and waterfront establishments.

This advisory is particularly relevant for ice fishing enthusiasts, snowmobilers, and other winter sports participants who frequent these waterways. Local authorities recommend checking ice conditions regularly and avoiding areas where icebreaker activity is observed.

For winter safety, the Canadian Red Cross recommends a minimum ice thickness of 15 centimetres for walking or skating alone, and at least 20 centimetres for group skating or games. These guidelines become even more critical in areas affected by icebreaker operations.

The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge construction project continues to progress, with these winter measures ensuring uninterrupted work throughout the cold season.

The advisory issued by the MTQ is in French only. n

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New Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge construction update

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The anticipation for the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge continues to grow as traffic related challenges continue to affect residents of the off-island communities.

The first of two structures, namely the westbound structure, is expected to be competed by the end of 2026, according to the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ). “At this moment, the building of the first of the two structures to transfer the circulation is expected in two years,” MTQ spokesperson Sarah Bensadoun told The Suburban.

Once opened to traffic, the westbound bridge will have five lanes open to vehicle traffic temporarily until the second structure is completed. Upon its expected completion in 2027, the second structure — which will service eastbound traffic — will have three lanes open to vehicle traffic, as will the first.

Meanwhile the old bridge is slated to be decommissioned toward the end of 2026.The two structures will have three vehicle traffic lanes as well as a cyclist lane, pedestrian lane and emergency lane, totalling six lanes per bridge, in either direction. n

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Complete closure of Île-aux-Tourtes September 6-9

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, connecting Senneville and Vaudreuil-Dorion along Highway 40, will be completely closed to traffic throughout the weekend of September 6 to 9.

According to the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ), the complete closure is required in order for construction work to be carried out on the drainage network for the new bridge and implement a new traffic configuration on Highway 40 Eastbound. Continued maintenance work will be carried out simultaneously, including the installation of a membrane and asphalting on the bridge structure.

Traffic management from Friday, September 6, at 11:59 p.m., to Monday, September 9, at 5 a.m. will include a complete closure of Highway 40 Westbound between Exit No. 41 – Ste Anne-de-Bellevue and the entrance from Saint-Charles Avenue in Vaudreuil as well as the complete closure of Highway 40 Eastbound between Exit No. 35 –Saint-Charles (Vaudreuil) and the entrance from Boulevard des Anciens-Combattants.

The ramp leading from Highway 40 Eastbound to the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge will be closed at the Highway 30 interchange. Westbound, access to Senneville Road will be maintained for users who need to go to this area.

According to the MTQ, when the bridge reopens on Monday, September 9, a total of three lanes are expected to be available on the bridge, including two in the direction of traffic flow, Eastbound in the morning and Westbound in the afternoon.

Detour routes will be marked with temporary signage.

“During this closure, the public is invited to use public transit and take advantage of the mitigation measures in place due to the obstructions at the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge. In addition, the toll will be suspended in both directions on Highway 30 to offer an additional alternative,” he Ministry stated.

A second complete closure of the bridge is also planned for the weekend of September 20. n

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MTQ’s parking expansion for Ile-aux-Tourtes chaos “won’t work”

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Quebec’s Transport Ministry (MTQ) announced a new mitigation measure related to the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge work causing traffic constraints. An additional 300 temporary parking spaces near the Vaudreuil train station and the central Vaudreuil bus station, funded by the MTQ in collaboration with the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion and the Regional Metropolitain Transport Authority, will be made available as of mid-May until the end of 2024.

The Quebec government has also guaranteed temporary free access to certain public transportation services to help alleviate some of the road congestion caused by the bridge work. The current parking lot is regularly at its maximum capacity. Signage to indicate the location of additional spaces will be put in place.

Comments from road users suggest that the MTQ is playing whack a mole with a blindfold on, covering their eyes to the realities that affect the surrounding community members. With over 40 responses from road users on the new temporary parking lot topic alone in addition to earlier interviews, The Suburban noted a few important points.

Lack of coordination in mitigation measures is by far the most prominent issue that was raised in discussions concerning the temporary parking lot. “They reduced the number of A-40 buses. What will more parking spaces do to help?” Chantal B. said in a response to The Suburban’s request for community reactions in an online discussion group. “We need more trains and synchronicity for buses and buses that run more frequently. Adding more parking space doesn’t help otherwise,” Pascale M. added to the conversation.

One of the common trajectories used by drivers to circumvent the Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge is the Oka-Hudson ferry that runs from mid-April to mid-November. “A gratuity for the Oka-Hudson ferry, with some kind of proof that you have something (to do) other than wander, would be very useful,” Peter A. from Vaudreuil told The Suburban. According to Peter and other commenters, the ferry route does not cut very much of the travel time, but for some it helps to reduce their feelings of stress.

Train users who need to reach the station by car were certainly pleased with the announcement as finding parking has been an issue for many. “It’s a hunt for a spot at certain times, so this would probably help many people,” says Nadine B, a regular user who points out that she and her husband take their two cars to the station regularly as they have different travelling schedules.

Young families that need to travel by car for drop-offs is another challenge that The Suburban noted throughout discussions and interviews with local bridge users. As a result of the ongoing traffic constraints, some families with toddlers have switched to child care services on-Island closer to their work to avoid any potential of late pick-ups, however they need to keep their toddlers in the car with them throughout hours of traffic. “I would have opted for the train before I moved my kid closer to work, but there was no guaranteed spot each day and I can’t risk missing work even if that means listening to Coco Melon in the car for an hour in the car each morning,” Sabrina L. said to The Suburban. “It’s great that they are adding parking, but it’s too late, I already moved my kid to the West Island and I can’t bring her and carry all her things and my things onto the train.” n

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Ile-Aux-Tourtes bridge to close for the weekend

Local Journalism Initiative / / /

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, linking Senneville and Vaudreuil-Dorion along the axis of Highway 40, will be completely closed to traffic from Friday evening the 15th to Monday morning the 18th. Despite the complete closure of exit 41 – Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue/boul. des Anciens-Combattants and the entrance from Saint-Charles Avenue in Vaudreuil — there will be westbound access to Senneville Road from the 40.

According to a statement issued by the Quebec Ministry of Transport (MTQ) the temporary closure is required in order to conduct preparatory work for the construction of the approaches to the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge.

The ramp leading from Highway 40 to the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge will be closed in the interchange with Highway 30. Drivers can use Highways 20 and 30.

On Monday, March 18 at 5 a.m., two lanes towards Vaudreuil-Dorion and one lane towards Montreal will be re-opened, matching the current configuration on the bridge. n

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