Traffic troubles: Montrealers face major weekend closures on Turcot, Jacques-Cartier Bridge

There are some major road closures in Montreal this weekend and commuters are being encouraged by traffic officials to avoid the area or take public transport.

Turcot Interchange

Starting Friday, Dec. 2 at 11:30 p.m., there will be a complete closure of the eastbound R-136 (A-720), between the Turcot Interchange and the Ville-Marie tunnel.

READ MORE: Trying to solve Montreal’s traffic issues

The ramps from Highway 20 east and the A-15 east- and southbound to the Ville-Marie Expressway will be closed for roadwork.

“There will be an impact on traffic,” Sarah Bensadoun, Transports Quebec spokesperson told Global News.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There will be an impact on traffic," <a href="http://globalnews.ca/tag/Sarah-Bensadoun/" target="_blank">Sarah Bensadoun</a>, <a href="http://globalnews.ca/tag/transports-quebec/" target="_blank">Transports Quebec</a> spokesperson told Global News.

 She explained three kilometers of the A-720 east will be torn down between now and next spring.

She added that crews can’t do the work overnight because a lot of it is very noisy and would disrupt people who live in the area.

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Drivers are being asked to detour via A-15 south and the Bonaventure Expressway.

READ MORE: Driving in Montreal — less than six clicks in 40 minutes

Closures will be in effect until Monday, Dec. 5 at 5 a.m.

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Jacques-Cartier Bridge

The Jacques-Cartier Bridge will be closed overnight from Friday, Dec. 2 to Saturday, Dec. 3 and again from Sunday, Dec. 4 to Monday, Dec. 5.

Lanes will start closing at 11:30 p.m. and the bridge will be completely closed in both directions between midnight and 4 a.m.

READ MORE: Quebec transport ministry offers unusual solution to deal with noise complaints on Turcot Interchange

Access will be maintained for emergency services.

According to traffic officials, the goal of the closure is to ensure safety for users and workers during repairs.

Other closures will be scheduled in December for additional construction work.

READ MORE: Route 136 opens as the eastbound 720 closes for good

A spokesperson for the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) told Global News there are no plans to increase train service to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

This is the first of 12 to 15 closures of the Turcot Interchange between now and next spring.