Montreal Metro’s Blue line extension: Traffic detours begin Wednesday on Jean-Talon
Posted September 24, 2024 11:28 am.
Last Updated September 25, 2024 2:35 pm.
The mobilization of construction sites associated with the extension of the Montreal Metro’s Blue line will begin as of Sept. 25 on Jean-Talon Street East.
According to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), traffic obstructions will gradually be installed over the coming months — making Jean-Talon Street blocked at certain intersections until at least 2029.
On Wednesday, a complete obstruction will be in place on Jean-Talon Street east at the Pie-IX Blvd. intersection, the STM explained in a news release.
Towards the end of October, they said that “two new complete obstructions will be added on Jean-Talon Street at the intersections of Viau and Langelier Blvds.”
Despite the closure of Jean-Talon Street at these intersections, the STM said that “local traffic will be possible between the construction sites and mobility will be maintained on the transverse axes (north-south).”
“Access to businesses will be ensured at all times,” they added. “And safe pedestrian paths will be built around the construction sites.”
Other construction sites will gradually be mobilized throughout 2025, they said.
And this is set to generate complete and partial obstructions on Jean-Talon Street.
Reserved lane and modification to STM bus service
Starting Sept. 25, in order to bypass the obstruction on Jean-Talon Street at the intersection of Pie-IX Blvd., lines 141, 188 and 372 will detour on Bélanger Street, between 19th and 30th Avenue.
At the end of October, while Jean-Talon Street will be closed at the Viau and Langelier intersections, a lane reserved for buses, taxis and bicycles will be fully operational on Bélanger Street.
The STM said that this reserved lane will be in effect seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., eastbound: between 19th Avenue and des Halles Street; and westbound: between des Halles Street and 30th Avenue.
Lines 141, 188 and 372 are set to be diverted on Bélanger Street — at this portion of the route there will no longer be bus service on Jean-Talon Street.
[PLB ????????] L’équipe du Projet ligne bleue annonce le début de la mobilisation des chantiers associés au prolongement de la ligne bleue dès le 25 septembre sur la rue Jean-Talon Est. Des entraves complètes et partielles sont à prévoir.
— STM (@stm_nouvelles) September 24, 2024
Détails ➡️ https://t.co/3kCYUhglor pic.twitter.com/ePT14OpEn2
“Every day, more than 26,000 users use STM bus services on the Jean-Talon Street axis,” said the STM in the news release. “The implementation of the Bélanger reserved lane aims to preserve a strong mobility link on the east-west axis during the work.”
“The implementation of this initiative is an essential mitigation measure to promote smooth and efficient travel in the area during the work period,” they added.
The project is slated to cost $6.4 billion and has been in hit with delays since the planning phase in 2013.
The STM says the project office still intends to begin major excavation work in 2024 and the project is in its execution phase.
Once ready the 5.8 km Blue line extension will run along Jean-Talon and end at the Galeries d’Anjou.
