Drivers in Montreal will be facing significant delays this summer as a result of the 44 major road projects planned by Transport Quebec and the City of Montreal, as well as nearly 900 public works projects on local roads. The construction projects will impact almost every area on the island, from local borough roads to major highways, with the first closures beginning this weekend. The Ville-Marie tunnel will be completely closed in both directions, along with Route 136 East toward downtown. This will result in significant disruptions for drivers trying to access downtown Montreal by road.
A large portion of the scheduled work involves rebuilding underground infrastructure and repaving highways, such as the ongoing work on the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge and the repaving of part of A40 in the West Island. Closures at the Decarie interchange on the metropolitan expressway, a route used by 200,000 vehicles a day, are also planned for two weekends this spring and summer. While there will only be two weekend closures, the impact will be significant for commuters, as these are considered major hindrances to traffic flow in the area.
Officials are encouraging drivers to use public transit as an alternative when roads are closed on the weekends, but city buses often get stuck in traffic with other cars, and there are very few commuter trains running on weekends. This poses a challenge for those looking to avoid the traffic delays caused by road closures. Exo, a commuter train service provider, acknowledges the limitations of their weekend schedule and is discussing potential solutions with their partners for improving service in the future. Despite the efforts to promote public transit, many drivers may opt to avoid downtown altogether to steer clear of the anticipated traffic mess.
Overall, the road work blitz in Montreal this summer will test the patience of drivers and impact their daily commute significantly. With a multitude of major road projects in progress and numerous road closures planned, navigating the city during peak construction season will be challenging. Drivers are advised to plan ahead, consider using public transit where possible, and explore alternative routes to avoid the expected delays caused by ongoing road work. Despite the inconvenience, the construction projects are vital for maintaining the city’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety of road users in the long run.
