History
The tunnel was created by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) in 1956-1957 as part of the seaway development.
This structure remained under the SLSMC’s authority until October 1, 1998, when it was transferred to JCCBI. Since then, the Corporation has been responsible for the tunnel’s operations, maintenance and administration.
Since 1998, JCCBI has maintained Bridge P-113, which spans the Petit Canal waterway in Beauharnois’s northern sector. Having reached the end of its service life, work began on its reconstruction in July 2025. The work is expected to be completed in 2027. The new bridge will be designed according to current codes and standards, which will facilitate its inspection and maintenance while minimizing the impacts on Route 132, which crosses it.
For over 20 years, it was known as the “Beauharnois Tunnel”, and in 1991 it was officially renamed the “Melocheville Tunnel.”
The tunnel was restored and resurfaced. Since then, maintenance work on the tunnel, such as pavement repairs, cleaning and painting of the walls, and restoration of the approaches, has been ongoing to preserve the structure’s integrity and to ensure users can use the tunnel safely and efficiently.
Construction of the tunnel finishes. The tunnel extends Hwy. 132 under the locks of the Beauharnois Canal in Melocheville.
In 1956, the SLSMC oversaw the construction of the Melocheville Tunnel.
At the time, this federal body was responsible for operating, managing and maintaining this tunnel that passes under the St. Lawrence Seaway near the Beauharnois generating station.
The tunnel was built during the construction of the Beauharnois Canal.
To help expand the seaway in 1954, the Parliament of Canada tabled an act to let the government acquire several tracts of land for the construction, operation and maintenance of a waterway between the Port of Montreal and Lake Erie. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) was therefore created to manage the development and administrative activities of this new river route.
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