Des Allumettes — Installation of the Centre Steel Section

During the week of March 30, the centre steel section of the Des Allumettes Bridge was installed. An innovative technique was used to bring the new bridge structure together. The centre steel section was brought by barge and then lifted with hydraulic jacks for installation. In total, the operation took 15 days.

Here are interesting facts about the project:

  • It took 30 hours to lift the centre steel section of the bridge.
  • The centre steel section could only be lifted 6 inches at a time, to ensure security and stability.
  • The centre steel section weighs over 700 tonnes.
  • It took 24 workers and engineers to ensure the lift went smoothly.

Work on this interprovincial bridge commenced in July 2014, and the new bridge should be open by the end of summer 2015.

A panoramic view of the new Des Allumettes Bridge with the centre steel section being lifted into place

A panoramic view of the new Des Allumettes Bridge with the centre steel section being lifted into place.

This view from underneath the bridge shows the smooth and careful operation in progress

This view from underneath the bridge shows the smooth and careful operation in progress.

The horizontal view of the centre steel section allows us to see its massive size

The horizontal view of the centre steel section allows us to see its massive size.

Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the centre steel section of the bridge

Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the centre steel section of the bridge.