• A map posted on the Montreal blue line extension project website shows the approximate locations and tentative names of the new stations, as well as the proposed route.
• Work on the extension is already well underway as the STM seizes the land necessary to build the new infrastructure.
• Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.

The STM recently announced that it had approved architectural contracts for the new blue line extension station designs. Along with that, Montreal's public transit authority released the initial map which shows the planned route and stations along the new route to Anjou. The STM also seized a portion of land near the Galeries d'Anjou shopping centre to build the future blue line terminus. According to the Journal de Montreal, the land the STM claimed from the shopping centre totals 70,000 square metres. A large portion of the land belongs to a parking lot, but the STM will replace it with a 1,200 spot lot when the station is built. 

Seven businesses will also be affected by the land expropriation, according to the report.

The buildings belong to McDonald's, Wendy's, Les 3 Brasseurs, L'Académie, and Madisons. The Best Buy store was also affected, as was some of the land belonging to RONA.

Since 2018, businesses along the planned route of the blue line extension have been receiving expropriation notices, Le Journal explains. The STM set aside $450 million to buy land for the metro extension.

The STM hasn't released exact locations for any of the metro stations. The map, as it is today, is only an approximation. 

The five new stations are tentatively named after the intersections they're located on. The stations will be on Pie-IX, Viau, Lacordaire, Langelier, and will end at the Galeries d'Anjou. 

[rebelmouse-image 26887020 photo_credit="STM" expand=1 original_size="3177x930"] STM

The tracks will run for 5.8 kilometres. According to the STM, there will be "6 auxiliary structures housing operational equipment, 1 power station, 1 métro garage, 1 attachment centre for housing track maintenance vehicles, and 1 service centre for infrastructure maintenance." 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the blue line extension will make "a real difference in the lives of families while creating good jobs and building a greener Montreal."

Federal investment for the blue line extension was announced in June 2019.

READ ALSO: The STM Is Getting A Passenger Charter Of Rights To Make It More Accountable To Customers

Further preparatory work for the blue line extension will begin this spring.

According to the project's timeline, the STM will begin building new infrastructure in 2021 and will finish the blue line extension in 2026. 

All the stations will be fully accessible and equipped with elevators. Architects are already hard at work designing plans for the new stations. 

[rebelmouse-image 26887021 photo_credit="STM" expand=1 original_size="1371x640"] STM

From February to March 2020, the STM is engaging in a public consultation, inviting citizens to offer their opinions on the new blue line extension. If you wish to participate, registration is now open. 

"This project is key to improving mobility in the metropolitan area and stimulating development in Montréal’s east end. After a 30-year wait, the development of the Montréal Metro is getting a reboot, and this is just the start," said Chantal Rouleau, Quebec's Minister of Transport. 

With the Government of Canada's $1.3 billion investment in 2019, the project is closer than ever to becoming reality. 

Everyone is waiting anxiously to see the progress on the blue line extension! Stay tuned for more updates as the project develops. 

NOW WATCH: Canadian "Road Rage" At Its Finest In A Tim Hortons Drive-Thru (VIDEO)