The Ministère des Transports (MTQ) is looking for a director to oversee the major work required on the Pierre-Laporte bridge, whose new lines will soon be replaced.

The department posted a job posting last week for the position of director of "the major Pierre-Laporte bridge project."

This person will, among other things, "manage a major project aimed at identifying the deficiencies and the corrective interventions to be carried out in order to maintain the functionality and safety of the Pierre-Laporte bridge linking Quebec and Lévis".

Reporting to the general direction of major road projects in the Quebec metropolitan region, she will play "a leading role in the preparation of this major public infrastructure project, over a period that may span several years".

This post opening comes after worrying revelations about the condition of the lines, these vertical cables that support the deck of the structure inaugurated almost 52 years ago.

Urgency to act

In June, Radio-Canada revealed the existence of a report signed by two engineers from the MTQ according to which they should be replaced in their entirety, and this as soon as possible.

We then learned that a cable removed in an emergency last fall had lost more than half of its original resistance, according to laboratory tests.

Questioned, the ministry recognizes that major interventions are to be expected, without specifying their exact nature.

“Following a review of the condition of the Pierre-Laporte Bridge, the Department entrusted the major work planned for the Pierre-Laporte Bridge to its major projects team. The recommendations of the ministry's expert report suggest that very significant work will have to be carried out to ensure the sustainability of the bridge for the coming decades," explains spokesperson Émilie Lord.

Last month, Transport Minister François Bonnardel ordered that the replacement of all lines, originally planned over a 15-year horizon, be accelerated. He nevertheless assured that the bridge remains "safe at this time".

Less than 10 %

To date, only 15 of them, out of 160, have been renewed. The MTQ is committed to increasing the pace, and new work is even imminent, according to Ms. Lord.

"The replacement of some lines is planned for the end of the summer and during the fall of 2022", she informs.

Note that in addition to hiring a director, the MTQ recruitment process provides for the addition of eight resources.

The MTQ's major road projects team will be responsible for all activities related to the repair and maintenance of the Pierre-Laporte Bridge structure, including the cables, hangers, deck, pylons and anchor block. .

The general management of Chaudière-Appalaches will remain responsible for the component devoted to the operation of the bridge, in particular snow removal and maintenance of the structure.