Did you know the Pont Le Gardeur wasn’t always what it seems today? It connects Montreal to Repentigny. The Pont Le Gardeur has a past filled with dreams of easier travel.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the early 1800s. The only way to cross the Riviere des Prairies was by ferry. Ferries had issues with winds and ice. Thomas Porteous wanted to build a bridge. He sought permission to build a bridge and collect tolls. In 1806, his bridges opened. They linked Montreal and Lachenaie. These bridges were named the Union of Douglas. But disaster struck the next spring. Ice swept away the bridges.
Porteous rebuilt but another bridge was needed. This new bridge would connect to Repentigny. Around 1811, a 750-foot bridge was built. It collapsed as soon as the scaffolding was removed. The ferry had to continue its work.
Years passed. In 1833, a plan for a grand covered bridge emerged. It would have cost a fortune. The province abandoned the project because of finances. Ferries remained the only option.
In 1839, the Bureau of Public Works was formed. It launched a road renovation program. This included the Riviere des Prairies. Plans for bridges between Repentigny and Montreal were prepared. But the government chose a different route. Three bridges were planned instead of one.
One bridge was to span the L’Assomption channel. Another would cross the west channel. The last would be over the middle channel. These plans were grand. They were too expensive given the limited finances. The project was put on hold again.
By 1850, ferries were still necessary. A man named Toussaint Pothier blocked bridge projects. He owned ferry services. His ferry business was thriving. Repentigny’s growth stalled.
In 1903, trains arrived. A railway bridge improved access to Montreal. This bridge had walkways for cars.
Finally, in 1939, the Pont Le Gardeur opened. It provided a permanent link to Montreal. The Pont Le Gardeur started construction in 1938. Tolls were removed in 1942. In 2001, the Pont Le Gardeur underwent major reconstruction. A lane was added for the Metrobus. The bridge deck was widened. Twenty-four pillars were rehabilitated.
The Pont Le Gardeur stands as a testament to persistence. It reflects the evolving needs of the region. Today, over 20,000 vehicles use the Pont Le Gardeur each day. The Pont Le Gardeur is part of Quebec Route 138. It is named Notre-Dame Street.
Next time you cross the Pont Le Gardeur remember its long history. It overcame many obstacles before becoming the bridge we know today.