In 2024, Montrealers will once again have to navigate a landscape of cones, barriers, and detours. This year, the city's ambitious construction agenda includes significant projects ranging from transit expansions to major retail developments. These projects, while essential for the city's growth, continue to challenge daily commutes and raise questions about urban planning and efficiency.
Some projects seem to be in a perpetual holding pattern, with certain areas having the same orange cones for nearly 20 years. Stalled progress has even drawn commentary from visiting celebrities. Still, developments are underway, including bridge constructions, hotel projects, expansive transit initiatives, and a large shopping complex.
Here are some of the major roadworks and construction projects that will get in your way and affect commute times in Montreal this year:
Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge Reconstruction
Computer-generated image of the new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge.
Quebec.ca
Areas Affected: Monteregie (Vaudreuil-Dorion), West Island, and Highway 40
The bridge connecting the Trans-Canada Highway to Montreal was built in 1966 and has undergone frequent major maintenance work ever since. It faced a complete shutdown in May 2021 and reopened two weeks later due to structural damage. In late November 2023, it was shut down for three days after a large crack was found, reopening with four of its lanes closed.
The bridges’ lane closures have caused major congestion along other routes, and as a measure to help reduce traffic, EXO is offering free transit passes on weekdays to encourage residents to take the train from seven western stations.
Regular inspections and major reinforcement work are being completed throughout 2024 to keep the bridge up to code during a complete reconstruction on the north side.
The new bridge will cost the Quebec government $2.3B and is set to be partially open by 2026, with all lanes open by 2028. The design does not include space for a future REM expansion.
Ville-Marie and Viger Tunnels
Ville-Marie Tunnel under the Palais des congrès.
Quebec.ca
Areas Affected: Downtown Montreal, Route 136 & Saint-Laurent Exit.
Expected completion: 2030
The Ville-Marie and Viger tunnels in Montreal are undergoing major renovations until 2030 as part of a $2B project funded by the Quebec government. The work includes upgrading electrical, lighting, and ventilation systems, along with significant structural repairs to increase the safety and sustainability of the highway passing beneath downtown.
Traffic will be affected, especially with the repair of the Saint-Laurent Boulevard overpass necessitating lane closures on Route 136 and adjacent areas until summer 2024. Commuters should prepare for rerouted traffic and occasional full closures.
This renovation is critical for maintaining smooth and safe travel through downtown Montreal and should ensure tunnel durability for the next 40 years.
Blue Line Expansion
Site of the future Viau station at the corner of Jean-Talon and Viau Boulevard.
Areas affected: Anjou
Expected completion: 2030
The STM is building five new stations to expand the Montreal Metro’s blue line from St. Michel to Anjou. The project should take another five years at least, to connect Galleries d’Anjou and Montreal. The expansion will add six kilometres of new track to blue lines’ current 9.6 kilometres alongside two new bus terminals.
REM (Phase 2)
REM construction in 2024 will extend service to the West Island, North Shore and downtown Montreal.
Areas affected: Downtown Montreal, Deux Montagnes, West Island
Expected completion: End of 2024
The REM’s inauguration in 2023 brought rapid access to activities and shops for Montrealers and connected Brossard to the metro grid. Now, the second phase has a lot more in store.
Slated for completion by the end of 2024, REM’s Phase 2 will open the largest part of the network to the public, including the deepest station in Canada. Lines to the West Island and Deux Montagnes will connect through the tunnel under Mount Royal, adding rapid transit to areas previously only served by train and bus. The REM’s airport line will only open in 2027 for the REM's third phase.
Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel
Cars line up to enter the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel.
Areas affected: Highway 25 and Route 138
Expected completion: November 2025
The major tunnel connecting Montreal’s Highway 25 to the South Shore and Route 138 is down to half capacity until November 2025. Pay careful attention to which lanes you need to be in ahead of time, as concrete barriers will direct traffic toward the tunnel exit well before the exits. The middle two lanes of Route 138 West are directed to the tunnel and 25 North. There are several exits on Highway 25 closed for the duration of the construction.
Maisonneuve and Berri
A map shows which streets near Berri-UQAM metro station will be impacted by STM renovation work.
Areas Affected: Maisonneuve from Place Dupuis to Berri, and Berri from Sainte-Catherine to Bus Terminal Montreal.
Expected completion: 2025
Maisonneuve Street has been dug up for all of 2023, causing disruption to cyclists, traffic, and event-goers on St-Denis. While nearing completion of the project's first phase, even more will be dug up along Berri and Maisonneuve in 2024. The project aims to upgrade the waterproof membrane above the Metro station to keep leaks at bay. In addition, the project will add elevator access to the Metro’s Yellow line, improving accessibility for event goers on Parc-Jean Drapeau.
Le 9e Montreal
Location: 1500, boul. Robert Bourassa, 9th floor
Expected completion: 2024
The Eaton Centre’s historic 1931 art deco restaurant, located on the ninth floor, is an anticipated re-opening in 2024. The luxury restaurant closed in 1999, but the artwork and utensils have all been well-preserved. The restaurant used to host fashion shows and events that became a central draw for Montreal's downtown department stores in the 1960s. EVOQ, the team leading the restoration effort has over 30 years of experience in Canadian heritage conservation, so the restaurant is sure to revive a long lost era when it opens in 2024.
Royalmount
Where: 8500, boul. Decarie
Completion expected: Fall 2024
Construction is progressing on Montreal's upcoming mega mall, poised to become a significant shopping and lifestyle destination in the city. The ceiling's completion in October 2023 paves the way for the internal construction to begin during the winter months. Situated at the intersection of Highway 15 and the 40, the mall will feature a footbridge connection to the De La Savane Metro station.
Montreal Holocaust Museum
Where: 3535, boul. Saint-Laurent
When: Complete in 2025, open to the public in June 2026.
The Montreal Holocaust Museum (MHM) is unveiling a new building downtown that will house exhibition spaces, classrooms, an auditorium, a memorial garden, and a room for survivor testimonies. Set to begin construction in fall 2023, the MHM is relocating from Cote-des-Neiges due to increasing demand for its educational programs about the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights. Amid rising racism, antisemitism, and discrimination, the new MHM aims to inspire action against all forms of hatred.
- Almost 30% Of Montreal Construction Cones & Signs Have No Purpose Other Than To Annoy You ›
- Montreal Will Take Steps To End The Rampant Use Of Orange Cones Around Construction Sites ›
- Photos Show A Group Of Montreal Orange Cones In The Exact Same Spot Since 2007 ›
- Part Of Downtown Montreal Could Soon Become A 24/7 Party Zone ›
- Montreal Drivers Face A Tough Year At The Pumps With Gas Prices Likely Going Up In 2024 - MTL Blog ›
- A Downtown Montreal Train Station Is Closing For Major Renovations Next Month - MTL Blog ›
- Montreal water taxis are relaunching this month — Here's where you can catch one - MTL Blog ›