| Work Detail |
The Government of Quebec announced the official start of construction work on the new Île d’Orléans bridge. The contract for the design and construction of the new infrastructure was awarded to Groupe Héritage Île-d’Orléans S.E.N.C., a consortium including Dragados Canada Inc. and EBC Inc.
TYLin, in partnership with AtkinsRéalis, was also selected to provide detailed design services and construction phase services for the project.
The current bridge was put into service in 1935, and its replacement is essential to ensure the economic and tourist vitality of Île d’Orléans. The Government of Quebec is investing $2.759 billion to complete this important project. This sum covers in particular the redevelopment work on the Côte du Pont, the construction of the new bridge as well as the actions which will be carried out to enhance the current infrastructure.
“From 2028, all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians will travel on a new infrastructure meeting the highest quality standards. The new Île d’Orléans bridge is a unique project, in an extremely fragile environment. Every detail of the project is thought out in this sense. This is also why a cable-stayed bridge is built. This is the best solution to respect the environment and cultural heritage. The Island of Orléans is one of the cradles of the French-speaking world in America, which is why the new bridge will be a legacy of our government and will mark the distinctive entrance to the island,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
The cable-stayed bridge, a little over two-kilometres long, will include one lane in each direction, wide shoulders to maintain traffic in the event of an incident or work, a multi-purpose path on either side of the lanes. traffic, as well as lookouts for active transportation enthusiasts. The concept of a cable-stayed bridge limits the impact on the natural and human environments, while providing the population with a safe link that meets current standards, the lifespan of which must extend to the next 100 years.
“This new infrastructure is eagerly awaited by citizens. Our government ensures the quality of life of local residents through better mobility and increased fluidity in the sector. Agricultural and tourist activities on the island will be boosted. They will contribute to the socio-economic development of the MRC of L’Île-d’Orléans and the Capitale-Nationale,” said Jonatan Julien, Minister responsible for Infrastructure and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region.
The new crossing will provide a 3.5-metre-wide traffic lane in each direction and 2.5-metre-wide shoulders on each side of the deck. The deck also incorporates 3-metre-wide multipurpose paths in each direction, which allow access for maintenance vehicles.
Included in the bridge design are four belvederes, positioned at the deck level of the north and south pylon legs, which will offer panoramic views of the Montmorency Falls and downtown Québec City on the horizon. The absence of bracing on the V-shaped pylons also results in unobstructed vistas, enhancing users’ experience of crossing the St. Lawrence River.
The new bridge is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028, while deconstruction work is expected to be completed in 2033.
The project includes three components:
the redevelopment of Côte du Pont and its intersection with Chemin Royal and Route Prévost (preparatory work);
the construction of the new bridge, including the reconstruction of the interchange between the Dufferin-Montmorency highway , Sainte-Anne boulevard and the bridge;
the deconstruction of the current bridge.
“This project represents critical infrastructure for Québec and underscores TYLin’s presence as a premier structural engineer in the region,” said Marwan Nader, P.Eng, TYLin Bridge Sector Leader. “We are thrilled to serve as Lead Bridge Engineer and proud to help bring this vitally important project to life.” |
