Estacade, pier and deck repairs, Phase 2

Built between 1964 and 1965, the Estacade was designed to control ice flow on the St. Lawrence River and reduce the risk of flooding and erosion on Île Notre-Dame and Île Sainte-Hélène. This structure spans 2040 metres between Île des Sœurs and the St. Lawrence Seaway dike. It is 18 metres wide. A dedicated bicycle and pedestrian path was added to the structure in 2015. The 
Estacade is mainly used by emergency vehicles. Maintenance work performed on the structure over the years has included replacing restraint systems, repairing foundation unit footings, reinforcing the deck with transverse post-tensioning, 
and repairing concrete in the beams. Major work is required to uphold the structure's service life over the long term. 
This work will include:
• Repairs to 8 foundation unit footings
• Concrete repairs and crack injections in the shafts of 18 foundation units
• Replacement of bearings
• Repairs to about ten pedestal blocks
• Repairs to the concrete in beams
• Installation of joint gaskets
• Various other repairs
This work is scheduled to start in summer 2025 and finish in 2028. The project will include operational, aesthetic, architectural, historical and ecosystem aspects. For the work on the foundation units, barges may be used, and cofferdams may be temporarily installed. This work will be performed as per the requirements of the applicable regulatory authorities. The dedicated 
bicycle path will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists throughout most of the work and users are invited to subscribe to our X account @mobiliteactive to stay informed. Vehicles will have unhindered access to the structure at all times. Access for boating may also be maintained during the work.

Latest update

Notice of Decision – Estacade, pier and deck repairs, Phase 2

A study conducted by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) has determined that the Estacade, pier and deck repairs project (Phase 2) is not likely to have any major adverse environmental effects.

This determination is based on the following factors:

  • impacts on the rights of Indigenous Peoples;
  • scientific knowledge;
  • comments received from the public;
  • technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Stakeholders were taken into account in the study, particularly with regard to navigation, access to and the accessibility of the bicycle path, marine safety, and protection of fish habitats.

Effective mitigation measures are planned for each potential environmental impact. The project includes various measures for protecting the natural environment, fauna and flora, nuisance control measures, and protection of species with a special status. Here are a few examples of the key mitigation measures developed specifically for this project:   

  • Discharge of suspended materials into water: implementation of an erosion and sediment control plan; storage of materials away from the river; covering or stabilizing stored materials; removal of excess materials after work is completed.
  • Water quality and spill risk: environmental protection plan and spill response plan; equipment maintenance; refuelling away from the waterway (except where approved) and provision of spill kits.
  • Work in aquatic environments (cofferdams): installation of a turbidity curtain or other control device; treatment/filtration of pumped water before discharge; sampling at the outlet of the treatment device; cofferdam design verified for winter conditions, if applicable.
  • Fish habitats: conducting work in the water outside of sensitive periods; capturing and releasing fish under the supervision of a biologist as needed; installing screens at the inlets of the pumping lines.
  • Fauna and flora (including species at risk): daily inspection of work areas; protection of material stockpiles; management measures for nesting birds (for example, monitoring and/or protective measures as needed); cleaning of equipment to prevent the spread of invasive alien species.
  • Air, noise and vibrations: best worksite practices (dust control, idling restrictions, equipment maintenance); compliance with municipal by-laws; noise reduction measures (mufflers, acoustic enclosures) and vibration reduction as needed.

 

The project contributes to sustainability by enabling the conservation of an important multi-use infrastructure, including a bicycle path, a multipurpose path, and access for emergency vehicles. This structure is also home to a large colony of cliff swallows.

Residual and cumulative effects were taken into account in this analysis. By implementing mitigation measures and a comprehensive environmental monitoring program, the project is not expected to cause significant adverse environmental effects. Finally, JCCBI has also retained a firm specializing in worksite supervision to continuously monitor the work and ensure compliance with the planned mitigation measures. 

In light of the analysis carried out, JCCBI will move forward and allow the project to be carried out, in whole or in part.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
2 Notice of Decision PDF (572 KB) April 17, 2026
1 Notice of Determination- The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) - March 3, 2025

Contacts

The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated
Philippe Larouche, Senior project coordinator
1225 Saint-Charles W, Suite 500
Longueuil, Quebec J4K 0B9
Telephone: 514-210-4651
Email: plarouche@pjcci.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Estacade (Quebec)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Bridges

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-03-03

  • Proponent

    Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc

  • Authorities

    • Jacques-Cartier Champlain Bridges
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89335

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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