A Complex Worksite on the Chaudière River:

Reconstruction of the Railway Bridge in Vallée-Jonction

In Vallée-Jonction, the reconstruction of the bridge over the Chaudière River, carried out as part of the Québec Central Railway rehabilitation project by the Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, marks a major milestone for the region. The old Vallée-Jonction bridge, which had become obsolete, was completely demolished to make way for a new, more modern and durable structure. The work included the construction of abutments—concrete structures at the ends of the bridge that support the deck and connect to the access roads—as well as concrete axes and foundations, and a steel deck structure. 

This construction site stood out for its complexity: it was located directly in the river, requiring specific work methods and adapted logistics. 

Technical and Logistical Challenges of a River-Based Construction Site 

Difficult Site Access

Access to the site was one of the main challenges of the project. Most of the work was carried out from barges, using onboard cranes, which required meticulous coordination for transporting, assembling, and installing equipment. 

Chaudière River Flooding 

The Chaudière River, highly reactive to precipitation, caused several work stoppages due to sudden rises in water levels. These conditions demanded great flexibility in planning and executing the work. 

Winter Work

The construction continued through the winter, with harsh temperatures. Teams had to adapt their methods for cold-weather concreting, including heating the formwork to ensure the quality of the structures. The installation of cofferdams allowed work areas to be isolated and foundations to be built safely. 

Mobilized Expertise

To meet these challenges, several internal areas of expertise were mobilized: deep foundations, marine works, and earthworks. Teams worked closely with the internal service to define methods suited to the site’s constraints and the specific conditions of the project. 

Environmental Protection in a Sensitive Natural Area 

The project took place in a sensitive natural environment, requiring constant environmental vigilance. All machinery used was equipped with biodegradable oil, and emergency environmental plans were established from the start of the project. 

To ensure compliance with environmental standards, turbidity curtains were installed to limit sediment dispersion, and suspended solids in the water were monitored throughout the work, both upstream and downstream of the site. 

Pomerleau: Expertise in River Works 

This project showcases Pomerleau’s ability to operate in complex environments, balancing technical performance, adaptation to natural conditions, and compliance with environmental standards. It demonstrates strong expertise in river-based construction and a rigorous approach to on-site challenges.