Posted on August 13, 2025
MARIA – Three months after awarding a $25.7 million contract to Bélugas Construction of Boisbriand, beach replenishment work to protect Maria from erosion and coastal flooding is progressing well.
Trains and trucks are working in coordinated fashion to carry out this vast project, which covers Route 132 between the municipal beach and the post office, and protects the commercial area between the IGA market and the Lady Maria residence over a distance of 2.4 kilometres.
“It’s going very well. We are very satisfied. The response has been good. The contractors are very competent. It’s nice to collaborate on such a large project and have little impact on the municipality,” notes municipal liaison officer Luce Plourde.
The project includes research, characterization, transportation and installation of granular materials, extension of pipes, development of storm sewer outlets, installation of storm sewer manholes and various other work.
Few complaints have been made to the municipality so far.
“Using the train as the main means of transportation helps. Of course, there are trucks between the railroad tracks and the beach, but people are patient, and we hope they will remain so,” says Ms. Plourde.
The use of the railroad tracks to transport the necessary equipment is still in its early stages.
“It’s going very well so far. We were making two train trips a day. On July 22, there were three. Ultimately, the goal is to get to four trips a day,” she says.
Two types of railcars are used: air dump railcars and hopper railcars that unload underneath, with the material being loaded in trucks by conveyors. From there, the trucks reach the shore where they unload the material.
“Residents and tourists are very happy with this option because it frees Route 132 from a lot of trucks,” the liaison officer continues.
The work is arousing curiosity. “People are venturing out to see what’s happening on the beach. But they must respect the measures in place, because a construction site is still quite dangerous. They should stay away from anything orange,” explains Ms. Plourde.
The municipality is working to develop access points to better view the work, particularly at Vieux-Quai Park.
A security perimeter is also being established near the train unloading area on Hirondelles Street to allow curious onlookers to view the operations.
The current construction zone is located around Town Hall, Vieux-Quai Park and the central sector. “Traffic is flowing smoothly,” says Ms. Plourde.
Regular rainfall is helping to reduce dust levels. Approximately 500,000 tons of material are required to replenish the beach.
In addition, experts concluded on May 7, that 50 buildings in the Pointe Verte sector are now under imminent threat from erosion and coastal flooding and constitute an imminent disaster.
A maximum of $385,000 per property is being granted for demolition or relocation. Those who choose to stay will still be entitled to municipal services. People have up to a year and a half to make their decision.
Every Friday, the municipality will publish a summary of the week’s work and upcoming work on social media.
A dedicated page will also be available on the municipality’s website.
