The Montmorency Falls Pedestrian Bridge is still waiting

The opening of the semi-submersible pedestrian bridge in the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency has been postponed for another year, this time due to construction modifications after a cost explosion was revealed last year.

Initially scheduled for the spring of 2021, Sépaq announced last year that the long-awaited footbridge that is supposed to become the highlight of the waterfall show will finally open somewhere in the summer of 2022. However, nothing has been moved on the site until Now, to see Newspaper Over the past few weeks, the public will be waiting.

The organization stresses that building this unique concept “requires more time than expected” due to technical challenges.

Sépaq spokeswoman Florence Rollo explains via email that “models of the various sections of the semi-submersible pedestrian bridge require numerous structural and architectural modifications before a final version can be obtained,” stating that the deadline is now set. It has been postponed to summer 2023.

The organization also advocates for the labor shortage that has paralyzed some construction sites and has had a role to play.

Off-site construction

The semi-submersible bridge will be at the foot of the Montmorency Falls and will complete the new route Val . experience, which Sépaq relies on to activate its site. The work itself is made unique by its movable construction that will make it rise and fall according to the rhythm of the trough level under the falls.

Sépaq ensured that construction, even if not yet visible on site, was well underway.

Work is underway to construct the semi-submersible walkway, made up of different sections, in three off-site plazas. […]. The assembly will take place at the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency,” the management determines.

These delays obviously cause constant inconvenience to park users. Some entrances have been closed for two years now to an unsuccessful construction site, regulars also lamented Newspaper.

Refuse to update the budget

As for the budget, the initial park improvement envelope of $48 million has been provided for an investment of $15 million in Val . experienceincluding $4 million for the footbridge, but it was already announced last year that we would go from simple to double. Val . experience Then it reached $ 30 million, leaving only crumbs for other projects.

A year later, Sépaq refused to recalculate, only emphasizing that “all contracts have been awarded”. However, this fact does not preclude the additions, $5.2 million has already been added to the signed agreements, according to a group of register.

“We prefer to wait for the work to finish before evaluating the total costs,” Florence Rollo confirms.

This reality forces Sépaq to cut elsewhere, particularly in the renovation of Manoir Montmorency. Because the goal of respecting the $48 million envelope still stands.

“Completion of some developments in the second phase of the comprehensive redevelopment plan will have to be deferred, such as the redevelopment of Manoir Montmorency, the expansion of the basement station as well as the construction of a technical services building,” the department states. the organization.

timetable:

• Unveil it Newspaper In January 2018
• Official Announcement in April 2018
• Planned opening in Spring 2021
• The semi-submersible pass has been postponed to summer 2022 due to delays caused by the epidemic
• Finally expected in the summer of 2023

budget:

• Total $48 million for the two phases ($15 million and $33 million)
• Explosion in costs related to phase one, rising to $30 million
• Sépaq is refusing to say where the budget is currently, saying only that the overall envelope will be respected.

Source: lejournal / Sépaq compilation