Drivers and public transit users are facing a tough commute with what is being described as “unprecedented” road closures on the Turcot Interchange.
Transports Québec is advising to avoid the area as crews prepare to dismantle a section of the old Highway 15 North.
“Very difficult traffic conditions are expected on the motorway network during this period, especially during the day, Friday and Monday,” the ministry said in a statement.
READ MORE: Massive Turcot closures scheduled for end of week
The major closures began Thursday at midnight and will last until Tuesday morning. Highways 20 and 15 will be affected.
“People need to understand that this is not a test run,” said Rick Leckner, traffic consultant.
“This is going to be bad unless everybody rearranges their schedules.”
Here is what you need to know to get through the traffic headache.
List of closures of the Turcot Interchange
The access to Highway 20 West from the Ville-Marie Expressway will be closed from 11:59 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Highway 20 eastbound will be closed from 10:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Highway 15 North will be completely off limits to drivers as of 11:59 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.
A stretch of Highway 15 from Exit 58 for Montreal and Nuns Island to the De la Vérendrye entrance will also be closed from Friday at 11:59 p.m. until 5 a.m. Monday.
The access to Highway 20 West from Highway 15 North will be closed at night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mitigation efforts in place
There is some good news for those trying to get to and from the City of Montreal.
Both the Vaudreuil-Hudson and Candiac train lines are free of charge for commuters on Friday and Monday.
An additional 14 trains will be added on the Vaudreuil-Hudson line, but they will only stop at Lucien-L’Allier, Vendôme and Dorval stations.
WATCH: No pain, no gain on the Turcot Interchange
There will also be 200 extra parking spaces available at the Les Jardins Dorval shopping centre.
For commuters on the Candiac line, a free shuttle service is also being offered on Friday and Monday during rush hour between the Châteauguay terminus and the Sainte-Catherine train station.
A full list of public transit mitigation measures can be found on the Transports Québec website.
READ MORE: Montreal drivers warned that more congestion likely as Turcot project intensifies
Give yourself time to get around
Drivers and commuters who cannot avoid the area are being warned to expect heavy traffic.
Both the Quebec transport ministry and Montreal’s public transit authority (STM) advise opting for public transport when possible.
The STM says public transit users should use the Metro if possible.
Everyone should plan ahead and give themselves extra time.
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