No more detours!

Without specifying whether the opening of DeBlois would occur before afternoon rush hour, the Quebec Transport Ministry confirmed at mid-week that "everything would be in place to reopen the bridge on June 8". The paving and marking of the roadway were the last things left to complete.

The reopening of the Concorde overpass is expected for June 15. Between now and then, traffic lights will be installed at either end of the bridge, signs will be put up and the marking of the roadway will complete the final preparations for the resumption of service.

The original structures which lacked central support and had overhanging lateral abutments have been replaced by more classic bridges, with simple abutments and central (support) columns.

The innovative concept of the original Concorde overpass built in 1970 was closely scrutinized by the Johnson Commission investigating its collapse. Among some of the problems brought to light was the resistance of the overhanging lateral abutments to inspection and maintenance. The south-east section of the superstructure collapsed on September 30, 2006.