THE TROUBLED CHAMPLAIN: A timeline of recent events and repair plans

Nov. 12: One southbound lane is closed after a dangerous crack is found. Federal officials say the lane closing will keep the crack at bay until the beam can be reinforced with carbon-fibre sheets. Inspections are to take place twice a day.

Nov. 19: An inspection reveals that the original crack is getting longer. More cracks are found.

Nov. 21: After analysis, bridge officials decide to close a second southbound lane, effective about 11:30 p.m.

Nov. 22: Officials announce a new, two-phase plan to reinforce the beam. Phase One is to be completed by mid-December, with the second phase coming in the spring. The carbon-fibre sheets will not be installed for now.

Mid-December: Phase One is to be completed in a two-day work blitz. It will involve the installation of a “super beam” to reinforce the cracked beam from above.

Spring 2014: Phase Two will take place over an unspecified period of time. It will involve the installation of a “modular truss” to reinforce the cracked beam from below. Once the truss is in place, the super beam will be removed.