In September 2008, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada issued a Special Examination Report on the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (JCCBI’s parent corporation at the time).

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

In September 2008, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada issued a Special Examination Report on the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (JCCBI’s parent corporation at the time).

The report noted a lack of funding for bridge repairs, and stressed the need for major investments in several Montreal-area bridges, as well as international bridges.

Fabrication of the first modular truss

The story of the first support truss—from initial and final design work to its advance purchase for use in an emergency and eventual installation—spanned some 14 years.

As part of an emergency response plan, JCCBI had launched an initial project in late 1999. This involved the design of a modular truss that could be installed under the bridge deck. In the event of a major failure, it would be able to support an edge girder on the Champlain Bridge.

The first modular truss was designed in 1999 by Buckland & Taylor Ltd. The following year, a call for tenders was issued to find a manufacturer. Three bids were received in December 2000. However, JCCBI decided not to award a manufacturing contract at that time. Instead, in 2001, it commissioned Les Consultants GEMEC Inc. to prepare shop drawings for a modular steel support truss.

In 2007, Groupe Oxand Canada Inc. was commissioned to assess the risks associated with the fabrication and use of a modular steel girder or truss.

The identified risks included the amount of time required to install a modular truss. In response, JCCBI selected two potential action plans: Plan A would involve installing a girder on top of the bridge deck, while Plan B would involve installing a modular truss under the bridge deck.

In 2008, Buckland & Taylor Ltd. updated the drawings and specifications for a modular steel truss to be installed on Sections 5 and 7 of the bridge and incorporated the shop drawings into the existing plans. In December 2009, a contract was awarded to Construction BSL Inc. for the fabrication and delivery of the first modular truss.

Installation of the first truss system

In 2009, Groupe AECON Québec Ltée installed the first truss system under the two edge girders (P1 and P7) of Span 34W-35W. The firm undertook the rehabilitation of piers, pier caps, girders and deck joints.

Credit: JCCBI
Installation of the first queen post trusses in 2009.