Design and construction services contracts awarded for Île d’Orléans Bridge
By Adam Freill
Bridges ConstructionTYLin and AtkinsRéalis selected to provide services for new signature cable-stayed bridge to link Quebec City to Île d'Orléans.
(Image courtesy of TYLin)
TYLin, a globally recognized full-service infrastructure consulting firm, in partnership with AtkinsRéalis, has been selected to provide detailed design services and construction phase services for the Île d’Orléans Bridge. The new signature cable-stayed bridge will cross the heart of the St. Lawrence River and span close to 2.1 kilometres to connect Quebec City to Île d’Orléans.
According to TYLin, the bridge’s design is a balance between innovation, aesthetics and sustainability, and is the result of a collaboration between local and international partners forming the Groupe Héritage Île d’Orléans (GHIO). TYLin’s client, GHIO, consists of Dragados Canada, Inc. and EBC, who was awarded the contract to build the new bridge.
The bridge consists of a 520-metre-long north approach; a 790-metre-long, three-span cable-stayed bridge; and a 740-metre-long south approach. Its superstructure is continuous with only two expansion joints, one at each abutment, which is expected to reduce bridge maintenance.
The crossing will provide a 3.5-metre-wide traffic lane in each direction and 2.5-metre-wide shoulders on each side of the deck. The deck also incorporates three-metre-wide multipurpose paths in each direction, which allow access for maintenance vehicles.
Included in the bridge design are four belvederes, positioned at the deck level of the north and south pylon legs, which will offer panoramic views of the Montmorency Falls and downtown Québec City on the horizon. The absence of bracing on the V-shaped pylons also results in unobstructed vistas, enhancing users’ experience of crossing the St. Lawrence River.
“We are thrilled to serve as lead bridge engineer and proud to help bring this vitally important project to life,” said Marwan Nader, bridge sector leader with TYLin. “The new Île D’Orléans Bridge will not only significantly improve transportation for residents and businesses, but it will also serve as yet another significant landmark structure for the province.”
