William Dale
Published online November 4, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
CAMPBELL’S BAY – Serious concerns over traffic gridlock, safety hazards, and a severe lack of communication surrounding ongoing construction at the Chenaux bridge in Portage-du-Fort came up during the October 22 MRC Pontiac council meeting.
Toller expressed frustration over workers who were forced onto long detours through Pembroke after being informed the bridge would be closed, only to find out later that traffic was still flowing. “We still have at least another month to go, and there are going to have to be some changes,” she stated.
Portage-du-Fort pro mayor and infrastructure chair Martin Hérault raised sharp concerns about how the project was initiated and the lack of communication from project management. He noted that the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) gave the green light to the contract without any discussion with Portage-du-Fort.
Despite the temporary friction, Toller expressed optimism that collaborative efforts between the MRC, local municipalities, and the MTQ will ensure smoother transit and safer conditions for residents and visitors throughout the remaining weeks of construction.
MTQ finally offers solution.
On Thursday, October 29, Warden Toller posted the following message from the Minister of Transportation: “We would like to officially inform you that all planned full closures related to repair work [on the Chenaux bridges] have been cancelled until further notice…….the department has been working with the contractor to find solutions that would minimize the ipact on road users……Consequently, the planned full closures will not be necessary at this time. However, repair work will continue as scheduled at the job site.”
The issues with the timing of the lights and the lack of on-site flag-persons from Friday night through Sunday remain an issue. Toller has confirmed she is continuing to work on that.
