Quebec opens new section of Route 132

View looking west of the excavation of the new roadway. Photo: courtesy Bernard D’Amours

Quebec has announced the opening of a new 1.6 km section of the Val-Brillant sector of Route 132, in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

By next spring, 3 km of the province’s longest highway will have undergone a complete reconstruction within the municipality. This includes the building of a new railway overpass, developing two new accesses, draining improvements and the resurfacing of the old Route 132.

“The opening of this new section is a significant step in the advancement of the reconstruction project for Route 132 in Val-Brillant,” said François Bonnardel, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Estrie region. “This is further proof of your government’s desire to improve the road network by setting up sustainable infrastructures adapted to the environment.”

He added that this large-scale project will ultimately increase the safety of those using this route between Quebec and the Maritimes.

It’s especially vital to the locals, said Jacques Pelletier, mayor of Val-Brillant.

“It is one of the most important projects that the Val-Brillantoises and Val Brillantois will have seen in recent years and we are proud to collaborate to its realization.”

Highlights

• The Route 132 redevelopment project aims to improve road safety by correcting the geometry of the road, straightening curves and improving visibility. It will also improve the structural quality of the pavement over nearly 3 km.
• The first work, the relocation of the railway, was carried out by Canadian National in 2017 and 2018.
• The Department is targeting full commissioning of the new facilities in spring 2022.
• The total cost of the project is estimated at $33 million. This amount includes a $75,000 investment by the Municipality of Val-Brillant in its infrastructure.