Transports Québec Approves $350 Million Seismic Retrofit Plan for Major Montreal Highway Viaducts

MONTREAL, QC — The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable du Québec announced the approval of a $350 million capital investment package dedicated to executing seismic retrofits, concrete deck rehabilitation, and elastomeric bearing replacements on 18 strategic highway viaduct structures across the Greater Montreal metropolitan area.

Hardening Critical Urban Freight Corridors Against Seismic Risks

The civil engineering contracts focus on elevated structures along Autoroute 15 (Décarie and Laurentian corridors) and Autoroute 20, incorporating high-strength carbon-fiber wrapping, seismic restrainer cables, and stainless-steel expansion joints designed to withstand high-magnitude earthquakes and severe winter road salt corrosion. The viaducts accommodate over 300,000 vehicles and 35,000 freight cargo containers daily moving between the Port of Montreal, rail intermodal yards, and regional industrial hubs.

Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault affirmed that maintaining the structural safety of Quebec’s highway network is essential to protect public safety and keep supply chains moving smoothly.

Montreal Chamber of Commerce and Engineering Stance

The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal praised the planned off-peak night and weekend work schedule to minimize daytime commuter congestion.

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Quebec commended the use of advanced structural sensors for continuous health monitoring.

Construction Mobilization Schedule

Phase 1 structural bearing replacement will commence along the Autoroute 15 corridor in October 2026.