Quebec to build new Grandes-fourches Bridge

Sherbrooke MNA Luc Fortin announced on Wednesday that the City’s new Grandes-fourches Bridge will be built next year with a provincial government contribution of $26 million for the $31 million project.

The announcement was made at Sherbrooke City Hall by Fortin, joined by Mayor Steve Lussier. Fortin pointed out that he has been working on the file since 2014. The provincial contribution will be composed of $24 million from the Fonds des réseaux de transport terrestre to build the bridge and $2 million for the demolition of three structures under the responsibility of the Ministry. The City will assume responsibility for maintaining the new structure.

The project consists of demolishing the current bridge, the overpass over the railway, and the Terrill Street Interchange. The bridge will be rebuilt 110 m further west, roughly at the level of La Grenouillère parking lot. The Terrill interchange will be torn down and replaced by an intersection with traffic lights and an urban artery connecting Terrill St. to the future bridge.

The new road will feature commercial, office and residential building and the banks of the Saint-françois River will once again become accessible to the public.

The decision to build an intersection rather than a roundabout on Terrill Street will provide for better traffic control and planners believe it will help in management of pedestrians and cyclists, who are numerous due to the proximity to the Cégep de Sherbrooke.

A call for tenders will be issued in 2019 for construction to end in 2020.

There are currently five proposals for the bridge design submitted to council, with three providing special consideration to pedestrians and cyclists. The most expensive option would be to build a unique signature bridge.