Weekend Traffic Disruptions: Mercier Bridge Access Altered
Montreal drivers should prepare for significant traffic disruptions this weekend, with a key ramp closure affecting access to the Mercier Bridge from downtown. The ramp connecting Highway 20 west to Route 138 west will be completely closed from 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, creating challenges for those heading toward the Mercier Bridge.
Detour Details and Alternative Routes
Transportation officials have suggested a specific detour for affected motorists. Drivers are advised to continue west on Highway 20 past the closed ramp, then turn around at 1st Avenue to access their intended route. This temporary closure is part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects across the Montreal region.
Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge Overnight Closure
In addition to the weekend disruption, the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge connecting Montreal Island with Vaudreuil-Dorion will experience an eastbound closure from 11:59 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. This overnight shutdown is necessary for concrete slab work supporting the bridge deck, part of essential maintenance for this critical transportation link.
Ongoing Construction Projects Affecting Traffic
Beyond the immediate weekend closures, multiple long-term construction projects continue to impact traffic flow throughout Montreal:
Highway and Bridge Restrictions
- Highway 10: Eastbound Exit 3 for Carrie-Derick Street is permanently closed as part of the Bonaventure Expressway reconstruction project.
- Highway 19 (Papineau-Leblanc Bridge): Only two lanes are available in each direction between Montreal and Laval, with partial or complete nighttime closures continuing through 2026.
- Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge: Currently operating with just five lanes total—two toward Montreal, two toward Vaudreuil-Dorion, and one alternating-direction lane that changes based on time of day and week.
Major Street Closures and Detours
Several key Montreal streets face significant restrictions due to infrastructure projects:
- Jean-Talon Street: Blue Line metro extension work has closed sections, forcing bus detours and creating a temporary shuttle service along affected routes.
- Ste-Catherine Street (Ville-Marie): Major underground infrastructure work has closed blocks between St-Mathieu and Mackay Streets and between de la Montagne and Peel Streets.
- Berri Street (Ville-Marie): Berri-UQAM metro station renovations have closed Berri Street between Ste-Catherine and Ontario Streets until November 2027, with multiple bus route adjustments.
- Pie-IX Boulevard: SRB Pie-IX extension work limits traffic to one lane in each direction between Pierre-de-Coubertin Avenue and Notre-Dame Street.
Additional Infrastructure Projects
Other notable traffic impacts include the St-Urbain Street overpass closure until 2026, De Lorimier Avenue northbound restrictions for water infrastructure work, Viger Avenue lane reductions for water main replacement, and De Châteaubriand Avenue closure for sewer work until June.
Public Transit Adjustments
The REM light rail system continues operating with two alternating destinations from Brossard—Deux-Montagnes and Bois-Franc. Display boards at stations clearly indicate each train's destination, and passengers can transfer as needed to continue their journeys. Service west of Côte-de-Liesse station ends at 9 p.m. each evening.
Multiple STM bus routes have been adjusted to accommodate construction zones, with some routes shortened and others receiving additional departures to maintain service levels. Commuters are encouraged to check the STM website for the latest transit information and alternative routing options during these extensive infrastructure projects.
