Having been expected for many months, the reopening of a fifth lane on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge and the implementation of a dynamic traffic flow management is now a reality.

Earlier this week, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, announced that the fifth lane would reopen by the end of the week, although she did not specify exactly when. 

Many drivers were therefore in for a surprise this Thursday morning on their way to work! 

We recall that in late autumn 2022, major cracks were detected in a box girder on the north side of the bridge towards Vaudreuil-Dorion. The required work was then quickly undertaken, and the closure of an additional lane was necessary for the safety of workers and road users.

What will happen this winter?

The thousands of motorists who use the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge every day are certainly reminded of the winter of 2022-2023, when the MTQ said it was impossible to implement dynamic traffic management due to snow accumulation.

However, the winter of 2023-2024 should be much easier. At least, that's what MTMD spokesman Miguel Vizcaino-Dubé confirmed to Néomédia.

"The usual snow removal interventions will obviously take place as always, but no major long-term closures are currently planned by the Ministry this winter," he said by e-mail. 

Mr. Vizcaino-Dubé adds that the Ministère will continue to work on the entire structure until the new bridge opens in 2026, and that occasional obstructions are to be expected, generally at night or on weekends.

"Two lanes will remain available per direction during these times, and dynamic management with three lanes in the peak direction will be in place during the week," he concludes.

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