Montreal plan to better coordinate construction sites, reduce headaches for citizens

Montreal says that, while constant construction is a sign of the city’s economic vitality, it’s convinced that things can be handled better.

Following research conducted in preparation for the Construction Site Summit that starts today in Montreal, the city is motivated to better coordinate work and minimize the impact multiple sites have on road closures.

The Plante administration says the announced measures are the result of long-term work.

“We want to work with all our partners and clients to preserve this vitality, while limiting as much as possible the irritants we have identified and which are a collective responsibility,” said Émilie Thuillier, responsible for infrastructure, buildings and asset maintenance on the City of Montreal’s Executive Committee.

The summit brings together real estate developers, contractors, civil servants, experts and city representatives, with the goal of improving things for everyone involved.

Concrete measures announced

The city says it has identified solutions to improve the coordination of construction sites, limit their impact on the public space, increase public safety, and reduce unnecessary signage throughout its territory.

It’s paying particular attention to the downtown area, major arteries and certain sensitive sectors.

The city is proposing that a maximum period of 12 hours be set for the installation and dismantling of construction site signs.

This measure is intended to significantly reduce the number of ghost work sites and to free up public roads and occupied sidewalks more quickly.

The city also wants to increase fines for crews failing to comply, aiming to reduce delays and ensure that all required measures are respected.

Reducing construction-related traffic

Better coordination of worksites will be handled via an internal management tool.

The city will also now require a traffic maintenance plan as a condition for obtaining a permit on main arteries. Construction crews will have to clearly specify where traffic is blocked, and the detours that should be taken.

The city also plans on reducing the number and size of orange cones in an effort to preserve the aesthetics of the city’s streets. Bollards will be used when possible.

Tourisme Montréal applauded the announcement. “This is an issue that has concerned us for several years, said its President and CEO. Yves Lalumière.

“We are pleased with the solutions proposed at the summit, which we want to believe will have a real and rapid impact.”