The designer of the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel, Armand Couture, died Thursday at the age of 91.
A graduate in civil engineering from Laval University, he was a member of the Order of Engineers until 2021.
A pioneer in the field of construction, he participated in numerous projects, including the design of the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel, which is now undergoing major repairs. Armand Couture worked for several reputable firms, notably as a member of the management of Lalonde, Valois, Lamarre, Valois et Associés, now known as SNC-Lavalin.
“He was president and chief operating officer of Hydro-Québec from 1992 to 1996. He then became an independent consultant and sat on the board of several public organizations and prestigious companies. He held the reins of the INRS council for nearly 14 years, from 1998 to 2012, an institute which also erected the Salle Armand-Couture in his honor, ”said the Couture family in a press release published on Saturday.
Considered a great builder of Quebec, Armand Couture has published numerous studies and given conferences on major projects. He has also received several awards during his career. He was notably named a member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Quebec in 1993.
In addition, he was named an Officer of the National Order of Quebec in 1999 and a Member of the Order of Canada the following year. Also in 2000, he received the Governors’ Award from the Quebec Electric Industry Association.
“By taking advantage of his experience in managing major projects in various fields until the end of his career as an engineer, he contributed to the construction of modern Quebec as we know it today,” added his family.