Fast lane to strengthen the 28 suspension lines of the Pierre-Laporte bridge

Civil engineering company Pomerleau was awarded the contract to integrate roads deemed more complex by mutual agreement.

In total, 40 lines will be consolidated or completely replaced in 2022, according to Transport Ministry spokesman Nicolas Vigneault.

28 more critical lines will be strengthened through this agreement. For other lines to be replaced, the contract was awarded to Stelair Construction in June.He says.

Stellaire must replace about twenty lines over the next three years, some of them this year.

” Some lines will be replaced in 2022. How many exactly? We are in the planning stages for this work, which will take place in the fall. Until then, some lines will be consolidated. »

a bridge safe

Although the decisions were made quickly, the spokesperson assured that the bridge is safe.

The lines and their condition in no way compromise the safety of the Pierre-Laporte bridge. This bridge is completely safe and users can travel without any problem.He insisted.

Mr. Vigneault felt it was considered an essential service.

A statement rejecting the Association of Professional Engineers of the Quebec government, despite recognizing the urgency of the situation.

Replacement of the lines is already planned. The work that Pomerleau was granted as an emergency should have been granted as an emergency last fallAndy Guayaz, secretary-treasurer of the association, condemns. We have come a long way on our part to complete the work urgently.

” The required services were signed off in July 2021, and at that time, there was never a plan, let alone a discussion, about replacing the bridge’s suspension lines. Discussions were held on the topic as early as this spring, and the department doesn’t even know what to ask for as required services. We would have had a hard time telling what the MTQ requirements were. »

Andy Guayez, Secretary-Treasurer of the Professional Association of Government Engineers of Quebec

Photo: Radio-Canada

The 12 Labors of Asterix

Mr. Guayz compares Bridge’s file management to Madhouse in a comic strip. The 12 Labors of Asterix.

The mandate of the Ministere des Transports is to ensure the road network [est en bon état]Monitoring of various structures including the Pierre-Laporte Bridge, a key structure in Quebec, is mandatory.The union representative stressed that they are hoping for a resolution to the conflict by today.

” We have an agreement in principle. The result of the vote at [les syndiqués] Going out at the end of the day. If a month-long strike on the Pierre-Laporte bridge continues, we cannot imagine what will happen next. »

You can see the broken steel wires on page 43 of the MTQ report.

Photo: Radio-Canada

The losers are the taxpayers

Taxpayers are losing big with the use of emergency works, says Daniel Pilate, associate professor in the Department of Strategy, Social and Environmental Responsibility at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).

” As there is no competition in this process, which is unusual, the cost of work is higher than if there is competition in the normal process. »

In the case of a bridge, the impact on cost is minimal, she adds, adding that few companies have the knowledge and expertise to handle such a complex task.

Disturbing report

Remember last June, A report by Radio-Canada revealed the existence It has been decided to replace all the hangars of the infrastructure as soon as possible, as their bearing capacity has decreased significantly due to their age.

Over the past 5 years, more than $95 million has been spent on bridge maintenance and inspection.

Tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars will have to be invested to ensure the stability of the bridge over the next few years, Nicolas Vigneault admits.

Keeping in view the scope of the work, the ministry decided to hand it over to its major projects team.

About 125,000 vehicles travel over the Pierre-Laporte bridge every day.

In collaboration with Marie-Pierre Mercier