As part of a consortium, GENIVAR has been commissioned to complete the final plans and specifications for the replacement of Carbonneau Bridge spanning the Ashuapmushuan River in St-Félicien, Quebec in the Lac Saint Jean region.

The project involves replacing the existing bridge, which was constructed in 1945. The new four-lane structure will be 366 metres long and will include a bike path incorporated within the “Véloroute des Bleuets” (Blueberry Bike Path). The new bridge will be made out of large steel beams with a concrete deck. The construction of the riverbed foundations using large-diameter box piles will significantly reduce environmental impacts. The project also includes the reconstruction of a one-kilometre stretch of Highway 169, in addition to a utilities upgrade in the right-of-way. A number of road user safety improvements will be carried out as well.

To ensure a consistent link between the two banks of the river, the new bridge will be built in two phases. Given the urban setting, traffic management will pose a major challenge throughout the project!

The plans and specifications were submitted to the Quebec Transportation Department (MTQ) at the end of March 2009. Work on the three-year project is scheduled to begin in June 2009.