Drivers in and around Montreal should be aware that construction projects and the Montreal Marathon will result in multiple road closures. Notably, the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge will be closed, again. Planning trips via the Waze app is advised before setting out.
The Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, connecting Senneville to Vaudreuil-Dorion along Highway 40, will be completely closed to traffic during the weekend of September 20. According to the Quebec Transport Ministry (MTQ), the closure is required in order to implement a new lane configuration for Highway 40, which will allow the reconstruction of the slabs and the continuation of work on the drainage system. Maintenance work will also be carried out on the bridge, including the installation of a membrane, asphalting and the repair of slabs.
The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge is a major artery connecting Montreal Island to the West Island and beyond, and the closure is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions. Drivers are advised to plan their trips in advance and allow extra time for travel. The closure will be in effect from 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 20, to 5 a.m. on Monday, September 23.
Additionally, due to the new lane configuration for Highway 40, the Rue des Pins entrance leading to Highway 40 westbound will be closed for approximately one year, starting September 23. Road users will be asked to use the next entrance, on Boulevard des Anciens-Combattants.
As a result, the following are default closures from 11 p.m. on Friday:
Eastbound
The complete closure of Highway 40 eastbound between Exit No. 35 – Vaudreuil-sur-le-Lac and the entrance from Boulevard des Anciens-Combattants will include: the closure of the ramp leading from Highway 40 Eastbound to the Île-aux Tourtes bridge at the interchange with Highway 30. Users can divert via Highways 20 and 30 instead.
Westbound
A complete closure of Highway 40 Westbound between Exit No. 41 – Ste Anne-de-Bellevue and the entrance from Avenue Saint-Charles. Westbound, access to Chemin Senneville will be maintained for users who need to go to this area.
Starting September 23, the traffic lanes of Highway 40 will be diverted around and on the bridge. A total of three lanes will remain available on the bridge, including two in the direction of traffic during peak hours thanks to dynamic traffic management.
The detour routes will be marked with temporary signage. The MTQ has asked motorists to consult the Quebec 511 website or app for updated information on traffic conditions. "In the event of unfavourable weather conditions or operational constraints, work may be cancelled or modified. Consult Quebec511.info regularly to find out about current and future closures," the MTQ stated.
The Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge is one of the most important bridges in the Montreal area, and the closure is expected to have a major impact on traffic. Drivers are advised to plan their trips in advance and allow extra time for travel. The closure will be in effect from 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 20, to 5 a.m. on Monday, September 23.
The annual Montreal marathon takes place this weekend, with shorter races around Maisonneuve Park on Saturday and the marathon and half-marathon on city streets on Sunday. The marathon and half-marathon begin on Île Ste-Hélène and go along streets including Pierre-Dupuy Ave., McGill St., Notre-Dame St., Parc-La Fontaine St., St-Joseph Blvd., St-Laurent Blvd., Gouin Blvd., Rosemont Blvd. and Viau Blvd. before ending at Maisonneuve Park.
The Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge closure is just one of several road closures planned for the weekend. The Montreal Marathon is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions on Sunday, and drivers are advised to check the event website for details on road closures and detours. In addition to the Ile-aux-Tourtes Bridge and the Montreal Marathon, other road closures are planned for the weekend, including the Mercier Bridge. Road users are advised to check the Quebec 511 website or app for updated information on traffic conditions.
The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge is a critical artery connecting Montreal Island to the West Island and beyond. The new lane configuration for Highway 40 is part of a larger project to improve the bridge and surrounding infrastructure. The MTQ has said that the work is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the bridge. However, the work is also expected to cause significant traffic disruptions in the coming months.
The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge closure is a reminder of the importance of planning ahead when traveling in and around Montreal. Drivers are encouraged to check the Quebec 511 website or app for updated information on traffic conditions and road closures. The MTQ has said that they will work to minimize the impact of the construction on traffic flow and will keep drivers updated on the progress of the project. The bridge closure is expected to be in effect for several months, so drivers should be prepared for traffic delays and detours.
