Champlain Bridge

Project Overview

We played a key role in the Champlain Bridge demolition, a multi-phase project in Montreal, Quebec. Executed in partnership with Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), the project prioritized worker and public safety. The bridge, one of Canada’s busiest, handled more than 50 million crossings annually before closing in 2019.

Engineering Constraints and Site Challenges

This demolition presented a range of unique challenges. The bridge spanned the St. Lawrence River, a sensitive waterway with fast currents, varying depths, and harsh winter conditions. Moreover, environmental regulations prohibited any debris from entering the river, and explosives were not allowed. Since the bridge lacked conventional reinforcing steel, traditional demolition methods proved impractical.

Controlled Span Removal and Custom Demolition System

To solve these challenges, we developed a unique system to remove entire spans—each weighing nearly 2,000 tonnes—using hydraulic jacking towers mounted on marine barges. We installed six towers, each with an 800-tonne lifting capacity, and synchronized them using a computerized control system. Therefore, each span could be safely lifted, transported upstream, and lowered onto a platform, where two 40-tonne excavators completed the demolition.

Debris Handling and Barge Coordination

We transferred all concrete and steel debris onto support barges and transported it to shore. In addition, we used temporary platforms built from sea containers to enable safe equipment operation. All materials were sorted and sent to licensed recycling facilities, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.

Advanced Safety Systems and Record-Setting Operations

We engineered a custom ballast system to stabilize 2,000-tonne spans lifted over 28 meters above the water. This technique, according to the jacking system provider, marked the first of its kind. Furthermore, we applied strict health and safety protocols and cold-weather marine rescue plans to protect all workers involved in the river-based operations.

Environmental Protection and Waste Recovery

Environmental monitoring confirmed there were no negative impacts on water, air, or noise levels. As a result, we were able to recycle or repurpose all concrete and steel materials locally. The Champlain Bridge demolition stands as a national benchmark in safe, sustainable, and technically complex infrastructure dismantling.