5th lane of Jacques-Cartier Bridge remains closed as repairs continue following fire nearby
Posted January 23, 2026 8:35 am.
Last Updated January 23, 2026 8:40 am.
Days after a major fire at a historic building the entrance of the Jacques-Cartier completely shutdown traffic between Montreal and South Shore, the fifth lane remained closed Friday morning.
“De Lorimier Avenue was reopened for a few hours (Thursday), but it closed again since more work has to be completed following the fire,” said Nathalie Lessard, spokesperson for The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges.
With a historic building now a pile of rubble, Montreal police’s arson squad are investigating the cause of the major fire that forced the complete closure of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
According to CJAD 800, canine units were able to determine that there were no one inside the building at the time of the fire.
The historic Familex factory that was built in 1910 – went up in flames Tuesday night.
Firefighters worked throughout the day Wednesday until 1 a.m. Thursday putting out the blaze. The building was then fully demolished.
An SPVM spokesperson said Wednesday that arson was not suspected.
The fire forced the full closure of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge for several hours Wednesday, since the building was right up against the structure of the bridge.
Authorities said Thursday that the Montreal Fire Department (SIM) and the City of Montreal’s public works department were “carrying out necessary repairs.”
More coming.
