Major closures on Hwy. 40 could create West Island congestion Nov. 3-4

Pack a lot of patience if you plan on driving through the West Island the weekend of Nov. 3-4.

Part of Highway 40 (A40) in both directions will be completely closed to traffic, including service roads and exit ramps from Highway 13 (A13).

The closure is necessary for a work blitz on Montreal’s light-rail train network (REM).

“It’s difficult. For some people it’s going to be more difficult than it is for myself. I didn’t have to go that way but had I needed to go – it would have been a problem,” said West Island resident Lisa Carbone.

Officials warn that traffic may be particularly difficult and drivers are advised to use Highway 20 (A20) for east-west travel.

“It’s gotta be done right? said West Island resident Nathan Desborough. “So it’s just one of those things where we just have to suck it up for a little bit, transit improved, away we go.”

The highway will close in both directions between St-Jean Boulevard and Highway 13 from Saturday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. until Monday, Nov. 5, at 5 a.m. The service roads will close as of 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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READ MORE: Blasting at the site of future Edouard-Montpetit REM station raises concerns

Construction crews need to demolish the Downey railway bridge over the highway near Henri-Bourassa Boulevard West. Two thousand cubic metres of concrete will be demolished. The rail corridor will eventually be rebuilt as the meeting point for the REM’s two West Island branches that are set to operate in 2022.

The all-electric train line and stations will branch westward towards Deux-Montagnes and southbound to Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport.

Though the closure was a nuisance, drivers say it’s all for the greater good.

“People are not susceptible to change,” said Dollard-des-Ormeaux resident, Evangeline Gamboa. “But the thing is, you need to sacrifice in order to gain something.”

Officials warn that more closures will come in the months ahead as construction of the elevated portions along the A40 begin.

Transports Quebec has authorized the closing of the highway and promises to have real-time updates on the electronic panels above the road concerning traffic conditions.

READ MORE: Hundreds of trees chopped down to make way for future Pointe-Claire REM station

REM spokesperson Jean-Vincent Lacroix told Global News in a text message that the REM’s objective is to give notice to riders to plan their trips in advance of Saturday due to the high probability of heavy congestion in the area.

“It should be an area to completely avoid if you can. A20 is an option to use,” Lacroix wrote.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It should be an area to completely avoid if you can. A20 is an option to use," Lacroix wrote.

Drivers will have two detour options:

• Westbound: Proposed detour via A13 South to A20 West, then Saint-Jean Blvd. to the A40
• Eastbound: Proposed detour via Saint-Jean Blvd. or Des Sources Blvd. to A20 East, then A13 North to the A40

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Expect increased police presence at key locations along the detour. Officers will be stationed at various intersections to facilitate traffic and respond to potential problems.

Signs will be installed as far back as Vaudreuil warning drivers to take Highway 20.

Officials recommend taking public transit to get to downtown Montreal. The Vaudreuil-Hudson train line, as well as busses 202, 204, 211, and 968 will continue service as usual.

Up-to-date information on the progress of the construction will be available via the REM Twitter account.