Major Road Closures and REM Shutdown Hit Montreal This Weekend

URGENT UPDATE: Major road closures are set to impact Montreal this weekend, with significant disruptions to highways and public transit. From November 7 to 10, drivers and commuters should prepare for slowdowns and detours across the region.

The Quebec transport ministry has issued a warning that several key routes will be blocked, including a complete shutdown of the REM system on Saturday and Sunday for essential testing work. If you’re heading to the West Island, the South Shore, or navigating through central Montreal, allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes to avoid congestion.

Specific closures include:

– **Saturday, 11:30 p.m. to Sunday noon**: On the A 40 east and west, only two lanes will remain open between Chemin Senneville and Boulevard des Anciens Combattants. Expect heavy traffic in this area.

– **Saturday, 11:30 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.**: The A 40 east exit 41 for Boulevard des Anciens Combattants will be closed. Use exit 50 toward Boulevard Saint Charles south, then take the A 20 west to exit 39 for Boulevard des Anciens Combattants as a detour.

– **Friday, 9 p.m. to Tuesday 5 a.m.**: On the A 640 west, exit 50 for Montée des Pionniers will be closed, with a detour available via exit 45 (Montée Dumais).

In addition to road closures, the REM will experience major service interruptions:

– **Friday, November 7**: The REM will close early for final testing. Last departures will be at:
– From Brossard: 9:20 p.m.
– From Gare Centrale: 9:40 p.m.
Shuttle buses will operate after the last train.

– **Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9**: The REM will be fully closed for two days to complete testing. Shuttle services will be in place during this period.

Drivers should also be aware of additional lane restrictions in the Bonaventure and Victoria Bridge areas, with one lane closed in each direction until December, and counterflow traffic on the Clément Bridge. Truck drivers face lane restrictions near exit 58 of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge.

With multiple highway closures and the REM out of service, traffic is expected to be heavier than usual across Montreal. Officials advise checking Quebec511.info for real-time updates before hitting the road.

Stay tuned for further developments as the situation unfolds this weekend.