Des Joachims Bridge: Substructure repair project

Find out more about the minor work to repair the Des Joachims Bridge.

Project overview

Project description

We took on a project to repair and replace various parts of the Des Joachims Bridge. As part of this project, we:

• replaced bridge guide rails
• replaced traffic signs
• repaired broken concrete on the Ontario pier
• replaced the masonry ballast wall that provides stability on the Ontario side with a new concrete wall
• stabilized and protected the slope at the end of the Ontario side

The goals of this project were to:

• fix erosion issues on the Ontario side where the bridge connects to the land
• repair worn and broken parts to maximize their service life
• upgrade the roadway safety devices on the bridge approaches

The construction was scheduled for June 10, 2024 to the end of August 10, 2024.

Bridge closures

During construction, the bridge was closed to vehicles for work to be completed:

• between 7 am to 7 pm: every 20 minutes, the bridge was closed for 15 minutes, then opened for 5 minutes
• between 7 pm to 7 am: every hour, the bridge was closed for 55 minutes, then opened for 5 minutes

Motorists were limited to 20 km per hour when crossing the bridge.

Pedestrians were able to cross the bridge at all times.

The bridge was reopened for emergency services. Public notices regarding the closures were issued in advance, and shared through our social media channels. This ensured that the public was aware of each closure and its impact on local traffic. The same information was distributed to stakeholders for further broadcasting.

Key milestones

• January 2024: tendering process began
• February 2024: contract awarded
• June 2024: construction began
• August 2024: construction completed

Photo gallery

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Benefits to Canadians

This project improved bridge safety and extended the service life of the bridge. It created full-time construction and consultant jobs for:

• the provision of construction materials
• manufacturing
• professional services

The Des Joachims Bridge is the only interprovincial crossing over the Ottawa River in the Upper Ottawa Valley. With this project completed, the bridge continues to provide goods and services that reach local and regional economies.

Project background

After an inspection, it was recommended that these repairs be completed to address deterioration and ensure code compliancy with current safety standards. In 2022, the project team started working on plans to repair the substructure of the Des Joachims Bridge. While planning for this project, the project team contacted and consulted with various stakeholders who would be affected by the project, such as:

• Ontario Power Generation
• Deep River and District Hospital
• Rapides-des-Joachims controlled-use zones
• Renfrew County emergency medical services

Related links

• Award notice for Des Joachims Bridge Abutment Wall Project
• Des Joachims Bridge
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Des Joachims Bridge (Quebec)
• Directory of Federal Real Property: Des Joachims Bridge (Ontario)

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada