This weekend, navigating Montreal may pose challenges due to the closure of the Mercier Bridge and La Fontaine Tunnel. Concurrently, the 33rd edition of the Marathon Beneva de Montréal is set to take place, attracting over 30,000 participants to the city streets on both Saturday and Sunday.
Furthermore, commuters seeking relief on Monday may face hurdles as a two-week transit strike is looming, potentially leading to reduced bus and Metro services. In addition, truckers are planning a protest involving driving at reduced speeds on various roads and bridges from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday.
The truckers, affiliated with a group called “Assez c’est assez. Sauvons l’industrie du camionnage,” are advocating for the reinstatement of roadside checkpoints and an end to the employment of illegal drivers. Protests are scheduled not only in Montreal but also in Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Gatineau.
The Mercier Bridge will be completely shut down in the Montreal direction from 11 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday for paving work. The ramps from Highway 138 East and Highway 132 West leading to the bridge will also be closed during this period. Motorists are advised to consider the Champlain Bridge as an alternative route, anticipating heavy traffic in the vicinity.
Similarly, the La Fontaine Tunnel heading to Montreal will be closed from Exit 90 on Highway 20 West in Longueuil to the Hochelaga Street access in Montreal from 11 p.m. on Friday to 8 a.m. on Saturday. The southbound tunnel from Montreal to the South Shore will also be closed during these hours. Additionally, Highway 25 South near the tunnel will be closed on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon between Exit 5 and the access on Souligny Avenue.
For updated information on alternative routes and detours, visitors can refer to the Mobilité Montréal website. The Montreal Marathon, including the marathon and half marathon events, will significantly impact traffic on Sunday. Runners will follow a route from Parc Jean-Drapeau to Rivières des Prairies, mainly on St-Laurent Boulevard, before finishing at Parc Maisonneuve after running along St-Joseph Boulevard.
Numerous roads will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., affecting Sherbrooke Street, St-Laurent Boulevard, and St-Joseph Boulevard. For a detailed list of street closures and timings, individuals can visit the couronsmtl website for more information.
