Complete closure of Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge this weekend

FILE: The approach to the Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge on Highway 40 is seen empty of traffic after being closed, in Montreal, Friday, May 21, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe)

The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge is expected to be completely closed to traffic during the weekend of Aug. 15 to 18, according to Quebec’s Transport Ministry.

“This closure is necessary to install support beams on the structure,” it stated.

From Friday, Aug. 15, at 11:59 p.m. to Monday, Aug. 18, at 5 a.m., the following closures are expected:

• Complete closure of Highway 40 westbound between Exit 41 – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue/des Anciens-Combattants Boulevard/Autoroute 20 westbound/Île Perrot and the entrance from Saint-Charles Avenue.
• The westbound access to Senneville Road will be maintained for local traffic
• Complete closure of Highway 40 eastbound between Exit 35 – Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac/Vaudreuil-Dorion/Saint-Charles Avenue and the entrance from des Anciens-Combattants Boulevard.
• The ramp leading from Highway 40 eastbound to the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge will be closed at the interchange with Highway 30.

Once the closures end, the ministry explains that four lanes (two in each direction) will be available on the bridge.

Heavy vehicles are prohibited from using the right lane in each direction, and overloaded vehicles are prohibited at all times on the structure.

Detour routes should be marked with temporary signs, and motorists are advised to use highways 20 and 30.

“During this closure, the public is encouraged to use public transportation and take advantage of the mitigation measures in place,” the ministry notes. “Tolls will be suspended in both directions on Highway 30 to provide an additional option. The ministry recommends that road users who must travel in the area allow extra time to reach their destination.”

Work may be postponed, extended or cancelled due to operational constraints or adverse weather conditions.