In 1972, Lavalin Inc. prepared the first annual inspection report on the original Champlain Bridge, 10 years after it opened to traffic.

Reference map of the original Champlain Bridge to clearly locate the different sections and piers.

Section 5 was assessed as follows:

• The girders and deck appeared to be in excellent condition.
• The road surface, guard rails and central divider were in good condition.
• At abutment 44W, the side walls had moved outwards, and the concrete was fractured.
• The bridge-bearing neoprene plates had slightly moved lengthwise in relation to each other (up to an inch).
• Minor vertical cracking was observed on the face of almost every pier.
• On piers 18W, 21W, 23W and 30W, crack width at water level was ± 1∕4 inches.

As for section 6, painting work, sandblasting and application of three coats was underway.

As for section 7, minor cracking on the piers. The girders and deck were found to be in better condition than those in section 5.

First underwater inspection

As recommended, an underwater inspection was carried out in December 19, 1972, on pier A-1 that supports l’Île des Sœurs Bridge in section 3 of the original corridor. This appears to have been the first underwater inspection of the original Champlain Bridge, l’Île des Sœurs Bridge and Clément Bridge.

Second annual inspection

In 1973, Lavalin Inc. released the second annual inspection report. These were the main findings:

• Painting work that had begun in 1972 was completed in the fall.
• The asphalt was showing signs of aging. The situation was especially bad in the inner lanes, where the thickness was between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch in some locations.
• Vertical cracks between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch wide were observed on piers 2W, 3W, 4W, 3E and 4E. Elsewhere, the concrete deck was exposed.
• Along the central divider, major concrete damage and 25 feet of exposed steel reinforcement were observed.
• The Champlain Bridge and the l’Île des Sœurs Bridge used open expansion joints, which permitted the infiltration of water and road salt. Significant damage had already been caused by road salt, especially on the concrete surfaces of the piers. The report recommended studying whether the joints could be closed.

Credit: JCCBI
Very extensive concrete disintegration with exposed and rusted reinforcing steel along a highway barrier in section 2 on the Montreal land approach to the main bridge, the main bridge being located in sections 4, 5 and 7 of the corridor Annual inspection report for 1973.

Credit: JCCBI
Asphalt in section 5 of the bridge had been worn down by wear thus exposing the concrete deck surface. Annual inspection report for 1973.