The Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Geneviève Guilbault and Soulanges MNA Marilyne Picard met with local elected officials at a press scrum on Monday, December 11, to announce the official start of reconstruction work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge.

"Today, we are taking a major step forward by beginning construction work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge. This new link will be better adapted to the realities of the region's residents, and will ensure a smoother flow of traffic. At the same time, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the existing link and minimize the impact of its partial closure," said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. 

Obtaining environmental authorizations from the federal government at the end of November marked a significant turning point in this major project for the region. The first work consists of building a jetty in the form of riprap in the water, followed by pile drilling.

"What excellent news, so eagerly awaited in our region. This new bridge is so important to better meet the needs of our citizens and businesses. I'm delighted that the work has officially begun. I am proud that our government has accelerated the start of construction of the new bridge without compromising safety. The entire Vaudreuil-Soulanges region will come out a winner," added her colleague Marilyne Picard, MNA for Soulanges. 

Commissioned in 1965 and now almost 60 years old, the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge undergoes regular maintenance work and rigorous monitoring to ensure the safety of road users. Since December 2, a total of two lanes have been open on the bridge, one in each direction. Wherever possible, workers and employers are encouraged to telecommute and take public transit.

Trucks banned from the right lane of Highway 20 during rush hour

Over the next few days, the right lane of Autoroute 20 (du Souvenir) will be closed to heavy vehicles during rush hour, according to the following schedule:

- Eastbound from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m;

- Westbound from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This temporary measure is designed to alleviate congestion in the area, caused by major obstructions to the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge. Truckers are invited to use Autoroute 30, where tolls have been temporarily lifted. The exact start date of this ban will be announced at a later date, and a follow-up will be carried out to assess its impact.

One bridge, two separate structures 

The new bridge will consist of two separate structures, with three traffic lanes in each direction, a two-way multi-use path and wide shoulders suitable for bus use.

The bridge reconstruction work will be carried out to the north of the existing structure. Traffic will be maintained on the existing structure during the work.

The overall project cost of $2.3 billion includes the construction-design-financing contract, as well as fees and costs for related activities, such as relocating utility equipment.

All work, including deconstruction of the existing bridge, is scheduled for completion in 2030.