MONTREAL – A Transports Quebec inspection report has called for the complete replacement of the Sources Boulevard overpass above the A20.
Details of the report have not been finalized but it concluded that the overpass needs to rebuilt.
The structure, built in 1970s, underwent a complete general inspection on Nov. 6, 2013.
The Sources Boulevard overpass crosses above highway 20 and two sets of tracks owned by CP and CN and freight trains, VIA Rail and the AMT commuter train network all run beneath it. There is also a separate pedestrian crossing that makes up part of the overpass network.
As many motorists are aware, trying to navigate across the overpass is difficult.
There are separate structures for the on and off ramps, which then converge at the top, leaving little time and space to change lanes. Clear signage and road markings are also a major issue.
A Transports Quebec spokesperson told Global News that the department has not decided if the overpass will be rebuilt, or if it will undergo major repairs instead.
”This year we are going to determine the type of work that needs to be done on the structure,” said Sarah Bensadoun.
“Whether to replace it or to do some major work.”
Bensadoun said that the decision could be made in the coming weeks but work to either rebuild or replace the overpass may not happen this year.
The Sources Boulevard overpass also had some repair work done this past week as part of Transports Quebec’s inspection blitz of more than 600 overpasses and bridges.
READ MORE: Trans-Canada Highway 40 reopens after car crushed by falling debris
Transports Quebec Minister Sylvain Gaudreault ordered the inspections to be done after a large piece of concrete fell off the Henri-Bourassa overpass above A40 last week and landed on an SUV.
The vehicle was badly damaged but no one was injured in the accident.
Read the engineer’s recommendations for Sources Boulevard overpass here.
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