Ile-Aux-Tourtes Bridge – It has been known for quite some time that the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge, built in 1965, is in bad shape and in dire need of replacement. The previous Liberal government did have the project listed as ‘under study’ in their plans, but nothing had been confirmed by the time they were voted out of office. An inspection done by engineers under their watch in 2017 had already revealed cracks in the structure, posing a serious risk of falling concrete – resulting in lanes often having to be closed for urgent repairs. With over 80,000 cars using the bridge to and from the West Island every day, the building of a new structure can no longer be delayed.
Last December, the CAQ announced the bridge would be replaced with a new one, as the costly upkeep and repairs of the bridge have been constant – but they have yet to offer a timeline or an estimated cost.
This past Wednesday March 6th, Junior Transport Minister Chantal Rouleau announced the CAQ’s updated plans for the bridge. It will have three lanes in each direction for traffic, a pedestrian path, a bike lane and a dedicated bus lane that will be given priority – but nothing was said concerning a line for the REM on the structure. The previous Liberal government’s plans had the dedicated bus lane linking with the new REM transit system. The original bridge will be maintained in the meantime and remain in operation during construction of the new one, which will be built on the north side of it.
