Transports Quebec inspections: 47 structures need immediate repair

photo courtesy: Philippe Bonneville / Cogeco Nouvelles

Transports Quebec has completed 605 emergency inspections following a falling chunk of concrete from onto on Highway 40 last week and has found 47 structures that require immediate intervention.

Of those 47 structures, 11 are on the island of Montreal, including five on the Turcot Interchange.

For a complete list of inspections, click here

Transports Quebec spokesperson Sarah Bensadoun said the damage is superficial and the structures are sound.

"If there was any loose cement, that concrete that was on the surface, it was removed by our crews," said Bensadoun. " Traffic would not be permitted if there was any kind of danger."

A cement block fell onto the hood of an SUV from a protective guard rail at the Henri Bourassa Blvd. overpass Monday. No one was injured.

Transport Minister Sylvain Gaudreault sent out a news release Sunday confirming the completed inspections that were carried out as a result of that incident.

"I want to express my deep empathy for people who have been affected by this incident earlier this week. This is unfortunate and we strive to avoid similar occurrences in the future. The safety of road users is a concern at all times for myself and for all employees of Transports Quebec,” said Gaudreault in the statement.

Gaudreault also said Transports Quebec has reviewed its response protocols due to last week’s falling cement, confirmed that during any exceptional weather events in the future will trigger a series of structural checks to prevent falling cement, and operations will take place immediately to secure unstable cement if necessary.

An exceptional weather event included a series of freeze-thaw cycles and intense cold, as has been he case this winter season.

"The ministry is going to review its protocols, we are going to integrate weather alerts as soon as there's a cycle of warm and cold weather," said Bensadoun.

Gaudreault said these checks will come in addition to the inspections already carried out several times per year by Transports Quebec.

"The aging of our infrastructure requires changing our ways to ensure the safety of network users and the sustainability of our facilities for years to come. The department has invested heavily in conserving structures each year. From 2013 to 2015, more than $2.6 billion has been invested to maintain our roads. We will continue in this direction, "said Gaudreault in the press release.