On January 15, the Municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) d’Argenteuil proposed a resolution supporting the expedited reconstruction of Pont Henri-Raby in Brownsburg-Chatham. Due to the structure’s deplorable and dangerous conditions, the bridge has been completely closed by the Ministère des Transports et Mobilité durable du Québec since December 5, 2024.
The resolution was passed unanimously and explains that bridge repairs have been constantly postponed by the ministry over the past five years despite numerous questions and concerns being raised by the Brownsburg-Chatham municipal government and residents. Additionally, it cites that many schoolchildren used the bridge to attend École Bouchard on the other side of the river and depended on the route daily.
It also highlights how the municipality was forced to react quickly to the closure by putting in place the required detours, signage, and municipal communication to residents.
The resolution ultimately demands that the ministry put in place, without delay, an active plan and timetable for the bridge replacement work. It also requests that Brownsburg-Chatham be reimbursed for the costs associated with the detour and signage.
It will be presented to the ministry, Argenteuil-La Petite-Nation Member of Parliament Stéphane Lauzon, and the Laurentides-Lanaudière direction générale.
Residents are strongly encouraged to call 511 and use Option 4 to make their voices heard by the ministry.
