New bridges in sight

Two mechanical shovels were already at the sites this past Wednesday as Construction Garnier, the firm contracted to rebuild the structures, installed its operating material at both locations.

The simultaneous construction of the two overpasses actually began Friday, following the first nighttime shutdown of Highway 19 between de Blois and Concorde Boulevards. Motorists proceeding on the autoroute had to adjust to the closing of the right lane in either direction, a measure which will be in force until the two overpasses have been rebuilt.

Transport Québec reassures motorists that two lanes in either direction will remain open through the construction period. Some complete shutdowns will be required at certain times of the night, between 10:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Most of the work will be done between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Residents and merchants of the surrounding districts will have to exercise patience in view of the heavy machinery that will be at work during the rebuilding period. Access to the highway from the two boulevards will be maintained according to the same measures that have been in place since the end of October.

The construction schedule will see east and west abutments built first, with central pilons and road bed to follow. Steel-girded concrete will be used in the rebuilding process. The use of this approach and these materials will allow the work to proceed without having to shut down the other two lanes. "Working this way will reduce construction time and limit the negative impact on motorists using the highway," says Transport Québec spokesperson Stéphanie Langelier.

The call for tenders went out November 28, 2006, with the evaluation of the bids taking just a few weeks to complete. Thirteen companies submitted bids. The cost of the work has been estimated at $7.5 million.

(Photo: Martin Alarie Courrier Laval)