Mercier Bridge Geotechnical Studies Postponed

07/29/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the Ministère des Transport du Quebec (MTQ) has postponed the geotechnical studies scheduled under the Mercier Bridge scheduled to begin tomorrow (Tuesday, July 30). Work is now expected to begin on Wednesday, July 31st and last approximately eight weeks.
 
The geotechnical drilling is being completed to gather background information and is NOT the beginning of construction of a bridge. This assessment and other biophysical inventories are needed to be conducted before a detailed design plan to replace the span can be developed. Community consultation will take place before the start of any new construction but MCK can confirm that the future span will be the same size as the one it is replacing, with the current one targeted to be dismantled. Only the Quebec portion of the southbound span (between LaSalle and the North Wall) is being considered for replacement.
 
"There seems to be a bit of confusion out there that this is the beginning of construction of a ′new′ bridge," said Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby. "Any construction is years away from beginning, and we plan to consult with the community once we know the plans from MTQ." she continued.
 
“It should also be noted that the intent is to simply replace the Quebec portion of the current Kahnawà:ke-bound bridge over the St. Lawrence River. There is no intent to make the bridge bigger or add more lanes," said Kirby. "Ultimately, we all want a safe structure in place as we all drive across that bridge with our families and loved ones as the old one is deteriorating."
 
Chief and Council wish to re-iterate that the MCK is working with all parties involved in this project to protect our environment, our land, and our rights and interests, which include local employment opportunities.