Launched in December 2023, construction work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge has passed several major milestones in the past year. The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable reports on the activities carried out over the past 12 months on this major project, which is scheduled to open in part by the end of 2026. 

The first phase of the project saw the construction of three temporary piers to facilitate construction in an aquatic environment. These structures allow dry work on various sections of the bridge, and will remain in place until completion of the work.

Installation of the piles, a key element of the future bridge, has progressed well: more than 80% of the 233 piles were driven into the ground in 2024. These robust foundations will ensure the stability of the structure for decades to come.

On various fronts, construction of the piers is in full swing. In Senneville, on Girwood Island and in the Lake of Two Mountains, nearly 20 piers are currently under construction. In 2025, this work will also extend to Île aux Tourtes. The first abutment, the structure that will support the bridge deck, has also been completed on the Senneville side. Ultimately, the bridge will rest on 46 piers and four abutments.

Modernization of highway lanes

With a view to optimizing public transit, a new section of reserved bus lane (UAB) was commissioned in November 2024 in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Located on Highway 40 eastbound, between the Avenue Saint-Charles and Chemin des Chenaux entrances, this segment will be linked to the future bus lane that will cross the bridge.

Construction crews also undertook major work to secure Highway 40 to the new bridge. On the Senneville side, a drainage network and new service roads are being built. In Vaudreuil-Dorion, modifications to the existing highway configuration are also underway. 

A large-scale worksite

The project mobilizes nearly 200 workers on five simultaneous sites: in Senneville, on the banks of Girwood Island, in the waters of Lac des Deux Montagnes, in Vaudreuil-Dorion and on the banks of Île aux Tourtes.

Progress in figures

80% of piles installed;
15,000 m³ of concrete poured;
2,650 tonnes of reinforcement installed;
21% of beams fabricated;
4.6 km of drainage pipes and utilities installed.

Outlook for 2025

The year 2025 will see continued installation of the piles, construction of the piers and abutments, and completion of the road and drainage infrastructure. At the same time, installation of the first beams will begin, a decisive step towards completion of the bridge deck.

If the current pace of work continues, the first bridge will be in service by the end of 2026. It will feature five dynamically managed lanes, with three lanes directed according to traffic flow at peak times.

The opening of a fourth lane on the current bridge will have to wait until the end of winter.