Turcot Interchange Dismantling
Turcot Interchange Dismantling
2019
Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois
2020
Mandated by Delsan-AIM, gbi demonstrated innovation in the methods used during the dismantling of the Turcot Interchange, while ensuring the safety of all stakeholders and preventing any damage to the structures to be preserved. To enable safe demolition, several methods and systems were developed specifically for the project.
The mandate consisted of dismantling fifteen complex elevated structures, totaling six kilometers of ramps reaching heights of up to 30 meters, as well as a 470-meter-long railway tunnel. It is worth noting that the various ramps spanned several obstacles, such as the Lachine Canal, multiple CN railway tracks, and a former marshalling yard.
Following an analysis of the construction phasing and a risk assessment of the various possible methodologies, the chosen approach for dismantling was, in most cases, mechanical demolition using high-reach hydraulic excavators equipped with a shear or hammer.
A First in Québec
The construction and dismantling of the Turcot Interchange was one of Québec’s major road infrastructure projects in recent years, with no comparable precedent in terms of dismantling engineering on such a scale. The innovative ideas and solutions developed by our firm, in collaboration with our partners, can now serve as reference tools for the future.
A Reimagined Infrastructure
The new interchange is now higher in quality, more durable than its predecessor, and better suited to modern needs. In addition to being safer, it has been rebuilt and designed with green spaces, a dedicated bike path, and reserved lanes for public transit.
Compared to the original design, this new construction is lower in height to better integrate into Montréal’s urban landscape. Population growth, smart technologies, and evolving lifestyles are reshaping our cities.
Maintaining Traffic Flow
Successfully keeping daily operations running throughout the work also allowed economic activity to continue without disruption. In fact, 300,000 vehicles and 45 trains use the Turcot Interchange every day.
