Working in the water is inevitable when constructing a bridge. In the case of the new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge, piers are being installed to facilitate construction in the maritime zone.
These piers, positioned in the water, form a structure comprised of crushed stones and aggregates. They enable the dry construction of the bridge's permanent infrastructure and also serve as docking points for barges transporting components in the aquatic area.
To build a pier, dump trucks approach the shoreline as closely as possible and unload stones into the water. Large stones are deposited first to build the foundations, followed by smaller stones and aggregates as the pier's level rises above the water. Once deemed safe, the surface of the pier is leveled to allow workers and vehicles access to work areas. Throughout the process, a geotextile membrane is used to protect the lake bed.
From December 2023 to late April 2024, a total of three piers will have been constructed. They will remain in place until the completion of the bridge's construction. Afterward, they will be dismantled by removing all stones to allow the lake water to resume its course. This entire process is governed by strict environmental regulations.
Did you know?
The stone used for the construction of the piers mainly comes from a quarry in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC.
