Securing essential port infrastructure in Montreal:

Rehabilitation of Quay 28 at the Port of Montreal

Located at the heart of the Port of Montreal's operations, Quay 28 plays a vital role in the Canadian supply chain. Over time, a gradual tilting of the structure towards the river has been observed, posing a real risk to the stability of port infrastructure and the continuity of marine and rail operations.

Faced with this critical issue, the Montreal Port Authority entrusted Pomerleau with the execution of emergency work aimed at stabilizing the quay, preventing major damage and securing existing assets, while maintaining the operations of a constantly active port through close collaboration on this complex port project.

A marine and civil project in an active port environment

The rehabilitation of Quay 28 took place in a particularly demanding context. The work had to be carried out in an active port environment, without interrupting marine and rail operations that support international trade and the Canadian economy.

Critical infrastructure, including railway lines, stormwater and electrical networks, and the Port road, was located in the immediate vicinity of the construction site. This specialized marine and civil project required rigorous planning, precise execution, and a constant capacity to adapt to site constraints.

Intervene quickly to secure strategic infrastructure

The first steps of the project, which began in 2024, enabled the monitoring of the quay's movements and the development of a technical solution tailored to the situation. This preparatory phase was crucial for understanding the shifting process and guiding structural choices.

In 2025, construction work was carried out over a short period to address the urgent situation. The rapid execution, combined with close coordination with the client, allowed the structure to be stabilized while maintaining port operations.

Dealing with the challenges of a marine worksite

The project required addressing several challenges inherent to work in a marine environment, including tidal variations, weather conditions, and managing risks related to the stability of existing structures. To overcome these challenges, Pomerleau relied on the expertise of its specialized port and marine works teams, experienced in working on complex port infrastructure in active environments.

Furthermore, the tight deadlines demanded close coordination between teams and meticulous planning. Each phase of the project was carefully sequenced to minimize the impact on port operations and to respond effectively to unforeseen events, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

A robust technical solution to stabilize the quay

The core of the project was the construction of a combined pile and sheet pile wall spanning approximately 200 linear meters, a demanding structural solution that called upon Pomerleau’s expertise in deep foundations. The design and installation of these piles allowed for the new structure to be firmly anchored in the ground, to withstand the forces exerted by the river, and to provide long-term stabilization of the existing quay, while also counteracting the observed tilting.

A slab parallel to the existing slab was also installed to support traffic and protect assets located behind the quay, an intervention that mobilized Pomerleau’s transport infrastructure experts. The work also included the rehabilitation of the railway infrastructure as well as the stormwater and electrical networks, ensuring the long-term viability of the installations essential to the port’s proper operation.

Collaboration, innovation, and continuous monitoring during construction

The project was completed on lump-sump basis, with close collaboration between Pomerleau, the client, and the partners involved. Constant and transparent communication allowed for adjustments to the work sequences and for quick decisions to be made when the situation demanded it.

Among the tools and innovations deployed, monitoring the quay's movements before and during construction played a key role in risk management. The use of BIM modeling also supported the coordination, design, and execution of the work in a complex environment.

Constant attention to environmental issues

The work was carried out in compliance with port environmental standards, with particular attention paid to the protection of aquatic environments. Material and sediment management was carefully planned to minimize environmental impacts and meet applicable regulatory requirements. The safety of workers, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment remained a priority throughout the project.

Essential intervention, driven by the expertise of our teams

The project mobilized several of our specialized teams in marine works, formwork and concreting, deep foundations, and port structures, as well as health, safety, and environmental professionals.

What motivates our teams to undertake this type of project is the ability to address a critical issue for infrastructure safety, to intervene quickly in a complex environment, and to contribute directly to the continuity of port operations. The exemplary collaboration with the client and partners, as well as the strong execution deployed throughout the project, make this rehabilitation a project that Pomerleau is proud to have contributed to.