It is this Friday that long-term restrictions come into effect on the Laurentian highway in Quebec, suggesting “major impacts” on road traffic which could be felt even on the municipal network.
The Ministry of Transport is launching work for the dismantling and reconstruction of the Highway 73 overpass which overlooks Rue de la Faune in the south direction.
This work will result in the complete closure of Rue de la Faune in the highway sector, from Friday evening to early Monday morning.
Plan of obstacles which will come into force on Friday.
Provided by the MTQ
However, it is the management of traffic on the Laurentian highway that is attracting attention, because until December, the southern roadway will be entirely closed, between Jean-Talon Boulevard and George-Muir Street.
“Plan your trips”
Traffic will be maintained in each direction with two lanes each, but those heading south will be diverted and will use the northern carriageway.
The section which normally offers three lanes per direction will thereby be reduced to two lanes per direction.
The MTQ expects “major” impacts, particularly the first days when motorists will have to familiarize themselves with the new configuration.
“It’s certain that the lanes have been diverted a little, narrowed, the speed is lowered. It’s really a road construction zone so users will have to be really vigilant,” warns spokesperson Émilie Lord.
Episodes of congestion are to be expected, particularly during peak hours. “Plan your trips, look at the itineraries if you are able to do so,” advises Mme Lord.
Still heading south, the entrance from George-Muir will be closed, as will the exit towards de la Faune. Same thing for entry from La Faune, until August.
These ramps are used every day by around 19,000 vehicles. Detours will be in place via the municipal network, which may therefore experience certain consequences.
The City is ready
The MTQ and the municipal administration say they have coordinated their respective projects to avoid adding up the effects.
“It’s obvious that there will be impacts. We do not have a crystal ball, we cannot establish exactly what the impact will be on each street, but we are implementing certain measures to support projects which aim to mitigate the impacts we anticipate. , says Marc des Rivières, Director of the Transport and Intelligent Mobility Department at the City of Quebec.
The City says it is able to observe the situation “in real time” with its network of cameras and to intervene if necessary, for example by acting on the duration of traffic lights.
The Laurentian highway, for its part, is used daily by 66,000 vehicles, including 5% trucks.
In 2025, further work will take place on the reconstruction of the second overpass, heading north.
