Another round of repairs began Tuesday on the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge off the western tip of Montreal after a crack was discovered there Dec. 4.
Transport Minister Robert Poeti is estimating the work will take 8 to 10 weeks.
Poeti said Monday that the bridge, which was built in 1966, is safe, but requires urgent structural repairs related to the crack located on the right-hand edge of the inbound portion of the span.
Transport Quebec is ensuring that drivers will have three lanes going toward Montreal during the morning rush hour, and coming from the island in the afternoon, by moving a concrete divider. The lanes over the bridge will be smaller than usual.
Poeti also added that an extra train car will be added from the Vaudreuil-Hudson AMT line, as well as extra buses, allowing commuters to avoid the construction site on the bridge with their cars.
The minister acknowledged Monday that the aging Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge is at the end of its lifespan, but is hoping these repairs will maintain it for another ten years.
He also pointed out that 88 per cent of his $4.9 billion transport budget from the province is spent simply maintaining and repairing the province’s infrastructures.
The transport minister wouldn't be specific about the cost for repairs to the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge but said it is certainly in the millions.
“The bridge is still very safe, but we have to work on it,” said Poeti. “That bridge was built in 1966 and we have to make repairs. We would like more to make the repairs during the summer but that’s not the case now. “
He said the speed limit over the bridge will be reduced to 70 kilometres per hour during construction.
“The decision we made today is to try to make sure everyone can travel safely… we think it’s the best way to give the roads to the citizens on their way during rush hour to Montreal and to the west side,” he said.
The 50-year-old bridge has been repaired and upgraded repeatedly over the years to handle the increasing amount of traffic.
