Significant Traffic Disruptions Planned for Montreal Weekend
Montreal drivers and transit users should prepare for substantial disruptions this weekend as multiple infrastructure projects impact transportation networks across the metropolitan area.
Papineau-Leblanc Bridge Closure
The Papineau-Leblanc Bridge connecting Montreal and Laval will be completely closed in both directions from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday for essential asphalt work. Southbound Highway 19 will be closed starting at Highway 440, though access to St-Martin Boulevard will remain available via the service road.
This closure represents just one phase of ongoing work on the bridge, which currently operates with two lanes in each direction but experiences partial or complete nighttime closures that will continue through the end of 2026.
REM Service Adjustments Begin Friday
Starting Friday, significant changes will affect Réseau express métropolitain (REM) service. Trains departing from Brossard will now have two alternating destinations:
- Deux-Montagnes station
- Bois-Franc station
The trains terminating at Bois-Franc will eventually be extended to Anse-à-l'Orme station when that branch opens later this spring. For now, passengers on trains ending at Bois-Franc can simply disembark and board the next train toward Deux-Montagnes to continue their journey.
Station display boards will clearly indicate each train's destination to help passengers navigate the new service pattern.
Additional Highway Closures
Several other major roadways will experience closures this weekend:
- Highway 20 in Ste-Julie: Complete westbound closure between Exit 102 and the following entrance from Armand-Frappier Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday. The eastbound entrance from Nobel Street will also be closed during this period.
- Highway 10: Eastbound Exit 3 for Carrie-Derick Street is permanently closed as part of the Bonaventure Expressway reconstruction project.
- Highway 40 (Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge): Reduced to five lanes with alternating directional flow on the fifth lane depending on time of day and day of week.
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects Affecting Traffic
Multiple long-term construction projects continue to disrupt Montreal's transportation networks:
- Blue Line Métro Extension: Work on Jean-Talon Street has closed sections of the roadway, forcing bus detours and the establishment of temporary shuttle service.
- Berri-UQAM Station Renovation: Major work has closed Berri Street between Ste-Catherine and Ontario Streets until November 2027, with significant detours in place for vehicles, cyclists, and public transit.
- SRB Pie-IX Extension: Only one lane available in each direction on Pie-IX Boulevard between Pierre-de-Coubertin Avenue and Notre-Dame Street.
- St-Urbain Street Overpass: Closed for renovation until the end of 2026, though pedestrian access remains available.
- Côte-Ste-Catherine Street: Westbound closure between McEachran Avenue and Davaar Avenue until late March for emergency electrical repairs.
Transportation officials recommend that travelers plan alternative routes, allow extra time for journeys, and consult real-time traffic information before heading out this weekend.
