Weather permitting, the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge could be back to a third traffic lane as early as next Monday. While this is good news in itself, motorists will still have their work cut out for them, as dynamic traffic management will be impossible for safety reasons. As a result, two lanes will be available towards Vaudreuil-Dorion, and only one towards Montreal, at all times.

The MNA for Soulanges, Marilyne Picard, made the announcement on her networks in the last few minutes. 

Last December, the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable was forced to close additional lanes on the bridge deck after a crack several metres wide was detected. Work to repair the crack has now been completed, after a six-week ordeal for motorists. 

As traffic is expected to be reconfigured with the opening of a third lane, adjustments to the guardrail and marking work will be necessary.

Obstacles are expected on the bridge at night to implement this new configuration:

Thursday night, January 11 (mobile work, traffic will remain possible);
From Sunday, January 14 at 8 p.m. to Monday, January 15 at 5 a.m. (complete closure).

Attenuation measures

Over the next few months, work will continue on reinforcing girders in order to reopen other traffic lanes on the bridge. Until a new lane is opened, a number of mitigation measures remain in force, including improved commuter train service and the use of the shoulder of Highway 40 West by buses.

Note that existing free travel on certain train and bus services will remain in place throughout January. From February 1, users will need a valid ticket. The cost of a booklet of 10 passes, Tous modes ABC, will be sold at a reduced rate of 43%.

Tolls on Autoroute 30 will continue to be suspended eastbound, between 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., Monday to Friday, once a third lane has been reopened on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge.