Champlain Bridge to undergo emergency repairs after major crack discovered

A massive support beam will be installed on Montreal’s Champlain Bridge after a significant crack was found on Nov. 12 following regular inspections of the girder reinforcement. Two traffic lanes above the girder have since been closed.

The first phase of installing the beam involves transporting the five sections of the steel beam to the bridge approaches. The beam will be assembled near the bridge and then moved using a long-load dolly onto the bridge where two cranes will pick it up and place it just above the girder that requires reinforcement. 

 
The support beam will then be installed above the existing girder across its entire length and attached at the piers. Large steel rods anchored to the support beam will be lowered beneath the girder in order to fully support it.
 
Once this girder has been secured the two traffic lanes will be reopened. Officials hope to have the first phase done in mid-December.
 
The second phase consists of installing a steel modular truss from below, which will be attached to the span’s two piers. This grating will also support the girder across its entire length, like the support beam installed in the first phase.
 
Installation of the permanent support (modular truss) will begin in the spring of 2014 because of the difficulty of working in winter conditions.
 
When this second phase is completed, the support beam will be removed and the full lane width will be re-established on the bridge.
 
For more information visit www.champlainbridge.ca.