Major pre-work will take place for one year, in 2022 and 2023, in the Laurier Boulevard sector to allow a harmonious insertion of the Québec tramway at the western entrance to the city.
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The municipality unveiled Monday a summary schedule of the pre-works which are added to those planned simultaneously in Saint-Roch and on the chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois.
While waiting for the “real” construction site, which should begin in the summer of 2023, the purpose of this preparatory work is to move the underground pipes so that they are never under the rails of the “reliable” tram.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
“The work will be long. It will last almost a year. If we start in June, that means we will finish at the end of winter 2023,” explained a project office manager.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
Over the next few months, work will be concentrated on several streets perpendicular to Laurier and Hochelaga boulevards in Sainte-Foy.
We will try to launch “small works” one after the other. The goal is not to “frustrate motorists” and to avoid getting them stuck in construction sites located on streets that are too close together.
During the virtual information meeting on Monday evening, many questions from citizens focused on traffic. Many were worried about through traffic, but also the noise of trucks.
Traffic maintained
Although traffic will be maintained at all times, some lanes will be closed as the work progresses. The buses of the Réseau de transport de la Capitale will continue to run.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
Of the 108 trees located in the area, 36 will be cut down (including 25 ash trees which were, in any case, doomed to disappear). The impact on the Boisé Lacerte, located on the grounds of Université Laval, is minimal at this stage.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
A compensation program for merchants in the sector must be developed by the City in 2023.
“Green and lively”
In 2028, when the tramway will be in operation, the number of automobile traffic lanes will be three, in each direction, on Laurier Boulevard. The number of pedestrian crossings will increase from eight to 12.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
On the images made public on Monday, we promise “a green and lively boulevard” on which various facilities for pedestrians and cyclists are planned.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
The Sainte-Foy interchange hub will have an important role to play in capturing buses from Lévis, we insisted.
Courtesy illustration, Quebec City
Also, “a multi-level structure” at the intersection of boulevard Laurier and route de l’Église will avoid “blocking” between the tramway, cars and buses, it was said. confirmed.