Major closures planned for the Turcot Interchange this weekend

It is going to be a difficult drive getting in and out of Montreal this weekend since major closures are planned for the Turcot Interchange.

“The traffic will be difficult in the Turcot Interchange so we invite people to plan their trip and also, if possible, to use public transit,” said Martin Girard, a spokesperson for the MTQ.

As of Thursday at 10 p.m., Highway 15 South will be completely closed. As well, Highway 15 North and South toward the Highway 20 West will be off limits to traffic.

Highway 20 East toward the Decarie Expressway will also be closed. As of late Friday night, Highway 136 toward the Highway 20 West will also be closed.

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The reason for the massive closures is that a large section of the old Highway 15 needs to be dismantled and it will take three days to do the job.

“Because of the amount of work that needs to be performed over the weekend, this is why we need three day closures,” Sylvie Gervais, the assistant director of KPH Turcot said on Tuesday morning.

A total of 78 per cent of the 50-year-old structure has been dismantled and most of the new structure has been built.

READ MORE: More Turcot Interchange troubles ahead with unprecedented closures

Drivers are advised to stay away from the exchange this weekend or use public transit to get around, but officials are planning for the worst.

“Policemen will be there to help to reduce the impact on traffic,” Girard said.

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More closures are planned for April.

The new Turcot is expected to be entirely open by the end of 2020.