The Municipality of Les Coteaux has confirmed the upcoming launch of a major project to replace and rehabilitate 865 metres of water and sewer mains on Sauvé Street.

The work, scheduled from August 7 to October 24, is designed to modernize and improve the municipality's essential infrastructure, while helping to protect the environment.

Major works made possible in part by a TECQ subsidy

These major works represent a significant investment in the community's future, with a total budget of $3 million. The Municipality would like to thank the Quebec government for its invaluable contribution to the project. Thanks to a grant of $1,950,000 from the Quebec Gas Tax and Contribution Program (TECQ), this crucial project can be carried out for the benefit of residents, without increasing their tax burden.

"Thanks to this investment and the grant from the TECQ program, we are modernizing our infrastructure while ensuring a safe water supply and efficient wastewater management. We are aware that the next few weeks will cause some disruption for residents in the area, and we are counting on their understanding and cooperation. These improvements will help create a sustainable and prosperous future for our community," says Sylvain Brazeau, Mayor of the Municipalité des Coteaux.

As part of the work, installation of a temporary water supply system has already begun. In the fall, when the new water mains are ready for use, a precautionary boil-water advisory will be in effect in the North sector. This measure will guarantee a bacteria-free water supply for residents, and ensure that the new pipes have not been contaminated during installation.

Citizens are strongly encouraged to register on the ComAlerte platform via the municipality's website, in order to receive information about preventive boil water advisories and any other project-related updates in real time.

The worksite will comprise two distinct phases, each planned to minimize disruption to residents and motorists.

A first phase of work using the directional drilling method

In the first phase, which will take place between Royal and Mercier streets, the existing pipes will be rehabilitated using the directional drilling method, without requiring the complete opening of the street. Partial openings will be made in the roadway at strategic locations to allow for the drilling and installation of new underground pipes. This stage will have no impact on the stormwater network in the area concerned. Traffic will be managed by alternating traffic lights to ensure the safety of road users.

A second phase of work to replace pipes by trenching

The second phase of the project will take place between Rue Mercier and Rivière Delisle.During this period, the Rue Sauvé structure will be completely opened up to remove the old aqueduct pipes. These will be replaced. In addition, the combined sewer system will be split into two (sanitary and storm) to improve efficiency and reduce the amount of wastewater to be treated at the wastewater treatment plant.

Improvements will also be made to the pedestrian and cycle routes. There will now be a pedestrian path between Mercier and Rémillard streets, new sidewalks between Rémillard and Delisle streets, and a shared-lane bicycle path due to the limited width of the street.

During this phase of work, rue Sauvé will be temporarily closed between rue Mercier and rivière Delisle, except for authorized local traffic. Some residences may find their driveways inaccessible for a period of 3 to 4 days, and will have to park their cars on the nearby street. For businesses that generally have two entrances, work will be carried out on one entrance at a time, so that the other remains accessible. Measures will be put in place to minimize inconvenience, including gradual access to residences and businesses via gravel, enabling a return to normal as soon as possible once the work is completed.

Work on the section between Delisle River and Delisle Street will be carried out during the next phase of the project in 2024, at the same time as work on Delisle and Pauline Streets.

Finally, access to rue Daoust will be completely closed for a period of up to 5 days. Residents will be informed in advance of the dates when they are known. Residents will be able to use the parking lot of the Gilles-Grenier building at 21, rue Prieur. A pedestrian bridge will be built to provide safe access to the street.

Patience and understanding will be required

Residents and motorists are encouraged to exercise courtesy and patience throughout the construction period. In addition to the civil engineering work, work on a private lot bordering Sauvé Street will result in significant heavy vehicle traffic. The municipality is working closely with the contractor to minimize the impact on traffic. Regular communications will be sent to affected residents to keep everyone informed of the project's progress.