Why geotechnical surveys on Chemin du Haut-de-la-Chute?

On August 7, Chemin du Haut-de-la-Chute in Rigaud underwent a soil and pavement survey. The operation took place near civic address 141. What is the practical purpose of these geotechnical surveys? 

Questioned on the subject, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility) replied to Néomédia's questions. 

The work on this road is required as part of a project to repair a culvert under the Chemin du Haut-de-la-Chute roadway, near civic address 141 in Rigaud.

This project is currently at the design stage, which includes a geotechnical study. This stage may take several months. The Ministère will keep its partners informed as the project progresses.

A geotechnical investigation involves determining the nature and properties of the soil, rock and groundwater, interpreting the data collected and formulating geotechnical recommendations. Boreholes are used to sample soil layers. This will provide information on the nature of the soils, the composition of the culvert and its condition.

Soil characterization work is being carried out by SNC-Lavalin. Final and actual work costs will only be available once the project is completed.

The average annual daily traffic flow (AADT) on this section of chemin du Haut-de-la-Chute is around 800 vehicles per day.

The MTQ points out that only the shoulders were impeded during the geotechnical surveys.