If you're planning to get around Montreal by car this weekend, brace yourself.
From major highway shutdowns to local street closures and even a full REM shutdown, traffic is expected to be messy. As a result, Quebec's transport ministry is warning drivers to plan ahead, give themselves extra time, and avoid the busiest sectors where possible.
Here's a breakdown of the major closures from September 5 to 8:
A-40 Eastbound / Métropolitaine
The A-40 east will be completely closed from Exit 65 (A-520/Côte-de-Liesse roundabout) to the A-15 southbound access, starting Friday at 11:30 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m. Several ramps in the Décarie interchange are also shut, including those from A-15 north and Marcel-Laurin. Detours will be in place via service roads and Boulevard Décarie, but heavy congestion is expected.
A-10 / Bonaventure Highway
Expect closures eastbound between Exit 4 (A-15/A-20) and the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge on three consecutive nights: Thursday to Friday, Friday to Saturday, and Saturday to Sunday, each from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic will be redirected through Boulevard Gaétan-Laberge and A-15 south.
A-25 North and South (Hochelaga-Maisonneuve)
- Northbound: Closed from Exit 5 (Sherbrooke/Yves-Prevost) to Sherbrooke East from Friday at 11 p.m. to Saturday at 8 a.m.
- Southbound: Closed Sunday from 10 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m., same stretch.
Drivers will be detoured via Exit 5 and Rue de Boucherville.
Local Roads to Watch
- Boulevard Montréal-Toronto East (Lachine): Closed between Saint-Joseph and Saint-Pierre from Friday 10 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.
- Rue Saint-Jacques (Le Sud-Ouest): Eastbound closed between des Seigneurs and Guy from Friday 10 p.m. to Sunday 10 p.m.
- Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest (Ville-Marie): Closed between Peel and Jean-D’Estrées on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
REM Shutdown and Event Traffic
The REM will be fully closed on Saturday and Sunday for maintenance, with replacement shuttles running between downtown and the South Shore.
On top of that, the Alouettes play at Percival-Molson Stadium Saturday afternoon, so expect congestion around Parc Avenue and Saint-Urbain. Public transit is strongly recommended.
Other Closures and Reminders
- On the A-50 in Mirabel, Exit 285-N (airport/cargo) will be closed Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Drivers will need to turn around at the next exit.
- Counterflow traffic remains in effect on the A-40 between Berthierville and Lanoraie, with just one lane each way. The A-20 is a better option for drivers between Montreal and Trois-Rivières.
- Ongoing work continues in Terrebonne/Charlemagne and near Bonaventure/Victoria, with lane restrictions that will last into the fall.
With highway closures, street detours, and the REM out of service, it'll take some patience to get around this weekend. If you need to drive, check Quebec511.info before leaving and plan your route carefully.
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Drivers can expect plenty of detours this weekend, especially those in the East End. 