BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1019 Report
“Required reinforcement work,” is what has caused the latest closure of another lane on the Île aux Tourtes Bridge since last Friday, bringing the span down to only one lane in each direction, according to Transport Quebec.
“The removal of an additional traffic lane is necessary since greater deterioration of the central slab has been noted,” said Martin Girard in response to questions from The 1019 Report.
“The experts determined that the removal of an additional traffic lane was necessary to maintain the stability of the structure while the required reinforcement work is carried out,” Girard continued, explaining that the work would take an estimated two to three months.
The explanations are vague and the details few, yet the bottom is clear: a third lane on the bridge, which would provide two lanes of traffic in the direction of the rush-hour flow, will not reopen until February at the earliest.
The latest constriction of lanes on the two-kilometre span was determined to be necessary, according to the information from the provincial Transport Department, as the crack discovered in late October on the eastbound side of the bridge was more extensive than first detected.
With the “removal of layered concrete on the surface, more damage than anticipated was observed,” Girard stated.
Steel girders will now be installed to support the main surface of the bridge, he said.
These girders “will be positioned to support the roadbed,” Girard’s explanation continued. “Then, a concrete grout will join the roadbed and the steel support elements. Once this is completed, a traffic lane can be reopened.”
Girard was adamant that the span’s ability to shoulder the weight of traffic is not a factor. However, he highlighted that since Sept. 1, trucks that have obtained special permits to exceed accepted weight limits enforced on provincial arteries have been banned from the bridge.
“This restriction,” Girard stated, “is an additional preventive measure aimed at preserving the integrity of the structure.”