Geotechnical study to begin on Mercier Bridge reconstruction project

08/20/2019

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to advise the community that it will be working with the Ministère des Transport du Québec (MTQ) on an upcoming study for the Mercier Bridge replacement project for the Kahnawà:ke-bound span.

On Wednesday, August 21st, crews utilizing a barge will begin borehole drilling in the area of the Mercier Bridge on the Lasalle side and work their way across the river to Kahnawà:ke at the North Wall of the St. Lawrence Seaway as preliminary studies continue for the replacement of the Kahnawà:ke-bound span of the bridge. The boreholes are approximately three (3) inches wide. Two teams will be working full-time to complete the work by early November.

The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) had earlier expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts of the drilling and insisted on a study to assess the fish habitat and sturgeon spawning ground adjacent to the bridge, which was carried out in the spring. KEPO’s role in this project is to ensure that all aspects of our community’s environmental concerns are protected throughout this project. KEPO will maintain a presence on the barge at all times to monitor the study/drilling.

Chief & Council would also like to reassure the community that it is working with all parties involved in this project to protect our land, rights and interests.

For more information, please contact Ietsénhaienhs Rhonda Kirby at 450-632-7500.