Plans proposed for Montreal’s elevated Highway 40
Posted November 12, 2025 11:25 am.
Last Updated November 12, 2025 3:45 pm.
Lemay architectural firm is proposing a bold plan to transform the elevated portion of Highway 40 in Montreal.
Lemay believes the planned Quebec government rehabilitation of the Metropolitan Expressway represents a major transformation opportunity for Montreal.
As the Ministry of Transport prepares to rehabilitate the 12.5-kilometre stretch, Lemay suggests adding a new level to the structure to accommodate housing, public gardens, and improved public transit routes.
The goal Lemay says is to have facilities several kilometres long that mitigate the impact of heat waves, floods and other extreme weather events; that facilitate sustainable mobility; and which provide access to new quality housing.
Other parts of the world have used similar models, suggests Lemay. They took inspiration from the Capitol Crossing in Washington, the Slussen in Stockholm and the Paris Rive Gauche district.
Quebec has rejected the idea of burying the highway, opting instead to extend the life of the 1960s-built expressway by 25 years.
The architectural firm says their proposal addresses important current challenges, including the housing crisis and climate resilience.
No timeline has yet been announced for the government’s rehabilitation project.
