The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, a key infrastructure connecting the island of Montréal to the Montérégie region, will be closed to traffic for the second time this month, impacting commuters and travelers alike. This weekend, from September 20 to 23, the bridge will be completely closed to facilitate ongoing maintenance and reconstruction work. The project aims to ensure the bridge's longevity and enhance its capacity to support traffic flow along the vital Autoroute 40 axis.
Bridge Closure Details
The complete closure of the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge will impact both directions of traffic on Highway 40, affecting travel between Senneville and Vaudreuil-Dorion. The closure will begin at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 20, and last until 5 a.m. on Monday, September 23. The complete closure is necessary to implement a new traffic configuration on Highway 40 Eastbound, which will enable the reconstruction of slabs and the continuation of work on the drainage system.
Impacts on Traffic and Detour Routes
The closure will significantly impact traffic flow, prompting the Québec Ministry of Transport (MTQ) to advise drivers to plan ahead and use alternative routes. For those traveling westbound, access to Chemin de Senneville will be maintained, allowing users to reach this area. However, the eastbound ramp from Highway 40 towards the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge will be closed at the A-30 interchange in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Drivers are urged to use A-20 or A-30 instead.
To further facilitate traffic flow during the closure, tolls will be suspended in both directions on A-30 over the weekend. While the bridge is closed, the MTQ will also carry out maintenance work on the bridge, including membrane installation, asphalting, and slab repairs.
The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge Reconstruction Project
The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, commissioned in 1965, is a vital artery for both commuters and commercial vehicles. Each day, nearly 87,000 vehicles traverse the bridge, including a considerable number of trucks. Recognizing the bridge's importance and the need to ensure its future viability, the Quebec government has undertaken a massive reconstruction project.
The reconstruction project is being carried out on a design-build-finance basis, with the work being undertaken by Groupe Nouveau Pont Île-aux-Tourtes inc., a consortium consisting of Dragados Canada inc. and Construction Demathieu & Bard (CDB) inc. The project's primary objectives include:
- Ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow along the Autoroute 40 axis.
- Promoting active and public transportation.
- Enhancing the bridge's infrastructure and integrating it seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
- Preserving the environmental integrity of the area.
The new bridge will feature a number of improvements, including three traffic lanes per direction, a multi-purpose track, and wide shoulders suitable for bus-only use. The project is expected to be completed in stages, with the first structure, providing five lanes with dynamic management in the direction of peak traffic, to be commissioned by the end of 2026. The second structure, with six lanes available, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. The multi-purpose track will be completed by the end of 2028. The deconstruction of the existing bridge is expected to be finished by 2029, and the project is slated for completion in 2030.
Mitigation Measures for Public Transit
The MTQ has implemented a range of mitigation measures to minimize the impact of the bridge closure on public transit users. Public transit users benefit from a discount on the purchase of a 10-passenger ticket, with fares reduced for both regular and reduced fares. Tickets are available at ticket vending machines at various stations, at the exo sales and service outlet at Vaudreuil station, and at authorized retailers in the La Presqu'Île area. More than 300 temporary parking spaces have been created near Vaudreuil station, providing increased access to the Vaudreuil/Hudson line 11 train and exo buses in the La Presqu'Île sector.
To further facilitate public transit travel, the MTQ has also added extra train departures and extended routes on the exo 11 Vaudreuil/Hudson train line. The MTQ is also allowing the use of bus-only shoulders on certain sections of the A-40 westbound, enabling public transit buses to bypass congestion caused by the lane configuration on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge.
Stay Informed and Plan Your Travel
To stay informed about the latest developments on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge reconstruction project, you can visit the MTQ's website or subscribe to their mailing list. The MTQ also encourages those who can to telecommute and take public transit to minimize the impact of the closures. The MTQ is committed to ensuring that the reconstruction project progresses efficiently and effectively, while minimizing disruptions to the public.
The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge reconstruction project is a significant investment in Quebec's transportation infrastructure, aimed at ensuring the bridge's continued viability for years to come. By staying informed about the project's progress and planning your travel accordingly, you can contribute to a smoother transition during this period of construction and ultimately benefit from a modernized and enhanced bridge that will serve the region for generations to come.
