Navigating Labour Day: Your Essential Guide to Montreal's Weekend Road Closures

As Montreal gears up for the Labour Day long weekend, a time for last-minute summer adventures or well-deserved rest, commuters and travellers alike need to brace themselves for significant road closures and traffic disruptions. To ensure your plans go smoothly, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city's arteries. Expect major overhauls, especially around key interchanges, so planning your routes in advance isn't just a suggestion – it’s a necessity!

The Turcot Interchange, a perpetual hub of activity and construction, will once again be at the epicentre of the weekend's traffic challenges. Motorists should be particularly aware of the following substantial closures:

• A-15 South (Décarie Expressway): Brace yourselves for a full closure of the southbound Décarie Expressway, from Exit 62 (Sherbrooke Street) right through to the Turcot Interchange. This essential stretch will be inaccessible from Friday at 11:59 p.m. until Tuesday at 5 a.m. Plan your detours via the A-720 East (Ville-Marie Tunnel) or local streets.

• A-15 North (Décarie Expressway): Heading northbound will also prove challenging. The A-15 North will be fully closed between the Turcot Interchange and the Côte-Saint-Luc Road entrance, affecting traffic from Friday at 11:59 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m. The Côte-Saint-Luc Road entrance will also be shut down, so make sure to follow local detours.

• A-20 East (Du Souvenir Highway): If your travels take you along the A-20 East, be advised that the highway will be completely closed from the Turcot Interchange to the Angrignon Boulevard entrance. This closure is scheduled from Friday at 11:59 p.m. until Tuesday at 5 a.m. Local roads will be your best bet for bypassing this section.

• A-720 West (Ville-Marie Highway): Expect significant disruptions on the A-720 West. The highway will be closed from Exit 1 (Saint-Laurent Boulevard) up to the Ville-Marie Tunnel. This closure will be in effect from Friday at 11:59 p.m. to Tuesday at 5 a.m. Consider using Saint-Laurent Boulevard or the Bonaventure Expressway as alternative routes.

Beyond the Turcot sector, other critical links will also see significant closures, impacting those travelling across the island or heading out of town:

• Route 138 East (Mercier Bridge): Heading east over the Mercier Bridge? Be prepared for a full closure between the Sainte-Catherine Street exit and Clément Street. This vital corridor will be shut down from Friday at 10 p.m. until Tuesday at 5 a.m. Route 132 is your recommended detour.

• Samuel De Champlain Bridge (A-10 East): Even the relatively new Samuel De Champlain Bridge won't be entirely spared. One of its three eastbound lanes will be closed from Saturday at 6 a.m. until Sunday at 6 a.m. Expect minor delays and reduced capacity during this period.

• Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel (A-25 South): If your journey takes you through the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel southbound, be aware that one of its three lanes will be closed. This partial closure extends from Friday at 10 p.m. right through to Tuesday at 5 a.m., so factor in potential slowdowns.

With these extensive closures, commuters are strongly advised to consult real-time traffic updates, use navigation apps, and allow for extra travel time. Consider public transport options if your destination is accessible, or adjust your travel plans to avoid peak closure times. Staying informed is your best strategy for a smooth and enjoyable Labour Day long weekend in Montreal!