With the Galipeault bridge closed indefinitely and one lane closed in each direction on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, Transport Quebec is asking commuters living off the western tip of the island of Montreal to be patient and, if possible, to make alternate plans come Monday morning.
“Congestion is expected tomorrow,” said Transport Quebec spokesperson Émilie Lord. “We’re suggesting people work from home or carpool.”
Transport Quebec has temporarily closed one lane in each direction on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge (Highway 20) from Senneville and Vaudreuil-Dorion to solidify a nearby dike composed of sandbags and jerseys.
READ MORE: Quebec flooding — Galipeault Bridge closed, Vaudreuil-Dorion declares state of emergency
“We’re working hard and we hope to be able to reopen the lanes in time for rush hour on Monday morning,” said Lord.
The City of Montreal is also expecting major congestion during rush hour due to reduced access in and around Île Bizard. High water levels have forced the closure of Boulevard Jacques-Bizard at the Jacques-Bizard bridge exit (Pierrefonds sector). Commuters are being asked to avoid Pierrefonds Boulevard and access Île Bizard via Gouin Boulevard West instead. The City is asking motorists to limit their travel to avoid the same congestion seen in the area during the 2017 floods.
Transport Quebec’s website Quebec511.info has a detailed map with updated information about the road closures. People are encouraged to plan their commute accordingly.
“Tomorrow is Monday so back to work for many people,” said Quebec Public Security Minister Geneviève Guilbault, who added that all government offices in Gatineau will be closed to reduce congestion on the roads, notably on Highway 50.
In a news conference in Quebec City, the minister underlined the importance of avoiding areas hit hard by the flooding and asked citizens to respect street closures and to follow instructions from local authorities.
READ MORE: Quebec premier urges caution amid flooding, landslides and road closures
“There is an anticipated closure of Highway 20 tomorrow (Monday) at the level of the Proulx and Galipeault bridges,” Guilbault said.
Measures are already being put in place to ease the burden for commuters. The Vaudreuil-Hudson train line will be free of charge and the toll on Highway 30 has been lifted. Service on the exo1 and exo2 commuter train lines will also be free of charge starting on Monday.
As a detour, drivers can still use highways 30 and 40 to get to and from Île-Perrot.
The City of Vaudreuil-Dorion has closed St-Charles Avenue — which links highways 20 and 40 — between Paul-Gérin-Lajoie and Léger streets.
Other road closures due to flooding include:
- Mirabel: Highway 158 (Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier) is closed between Chemin Saint-Simon and Highway 15. Highway 117 (Curé-Labelle Boulevard) is closed between highways 50 and 158.
- Pointe-Calumet: Montée de la Baie is closed between Highway 344 and 38 Street.
- St-Joseph-du-Lac: Highway 344 (Chemin d’Oka) is closed at Chemin Principal.
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