Deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge

Around 65% of the work are done from work platforms in the water that are away from residential areas.

Removal of modular trusses

1. 1. Preparatory work consisting of bolt removal and lifting preparations
   2. Removal of 8 trusses lifted away with two cranes, one per end
   3. Trusses placed on the ground or on supports, as necessary
   4. Trusses taken apart into “transportable” sections
   5. Off-site disposal and recovery of trusses and recycling of steel

On the jetty: Mechanical deconstruction, girder by girder (October 2022 to April 2023)

Section above the Hwy. 132 and Marie-Victorin Blvd: Blitz to mechanically demolish 3 spans and 3 piers (mid-September to November 2022)

• Complete lane closures
• Protection of lanes and equipment start-up
• Mechanical deconstruction of decks and piers by 16 specialized excavators
• Removal and storage of concrete on either side of the road
• Materials taken away for recovery and reuse in the days following the work
• Traffic lanes cleaned and reopened

1. Work to saw apart the concrete girders

2. Deck mechanically deconstructed girder by girder

3. Piers that support the spans mechanically demolished

4. Recovery and treatment of concrete on the ground

5. Materials taken away for recovery and reuse

Method: Traditional mechanical deconstruction on land

Work steps:

• Preparatory work
  • Dismantling of components (overhead signage, lights, etc.)
  • Components removed for the Research and Development program
  • Removal of reinforcements 
• Installation of temporary supports 
• Deconstruction of the spans and piers
• Disposal and removal of debris
• Restoration of the area

Method: Deconstruction from a platform on a catamaran barge

Work steps: 

• Preparatory work
  • Dismantling of components (overhead signage, lights, etc.)
  • Components removed for the Research and Development program
  • Removal of reinforcements 
• Span recovered with a system of platforms attached to lifting towers installed on a catamaran barge
• Deconstruction of the span on the catamaran barge
• Barge-based mechanical deconstruction of the piers and footings above and below the water level, from top to bottom
• Debris disposal by barge

Methods used to remove the steel structure:

• The suspended span will be placed on a barge with strand jacks and dismantled on the barge piece by piece.
• The cantilever sections and anchor spans will be taken apart piece by piece using a crane set up on temporary jetties.
• The piers will be mechanically deconstructed with high-capacity excavators.