Mercier bridge ramp needs beams but heavy trucks can use it

Transport Quebec will not restrict heavy truck traffic on the Montreal approach to the Mercier bridge, despite the structure's worsening state.

The Monette Street overpass is deteriorating rapidly and has become dangerous for heavy vehicles, according to the department.

But rather than restrict truck traffic, the province's transport agency will temporarily reinforce the overpass with steel beams, transport spokesman Terry MacKinnon said Monday.

"It's an old bridge that was built in 1983. We have inspected this bridge, and we know that we have to reinforce this bridge," he said.

The Honor Mercier Bridge crosses the St. Lawrence River and Seaway between the Lasalle borough in Montreal, and the Mohawk territory of Kahnawake on the South Shore.

The ministry considered closingthe ramp to heavy vehicles but truck traffic volume is too high to completely cut off the important artery without economic consequences, MacKinnon said.

A section of Monette Street in the Lasalle borough will be closed to traffic to allow transport workers to install heavy, steel reinforcement beams.

Dozens of Quebec bridges and overpasses have been flagged for structural deficiencies since a fatal overpass collapse killed five people in September 2006.

A provincial inquiry concluded the collapse was caused by a confluence of factors, including poor upkeep and insufficient repairs over 30 years.

The inquiry commissioner, former PQ premier Pierre Marc Johnson recommended the province inspect all bridges and highways structures.

In July 2007, Transport Quebec banned heavy truck traffic from 135 bridges and overpasses.