Quebec’s Ministry of Transportation plans to address a cracked beam under the Honoré-Mercier Bridge this weekend, leading to reduced traffic flow with only one lane open in each direction. The ministry aims to expedite the reopening process, as stated in a release on Thursday.
Initially, the Transport Ministry had announced the indefinite closure of the left lane for drivers heading towards Montreal late Tuesday. Subsequently, officials indicated that repairs would likely extend until the end of the week by Wednesday’s close.
As of Thursday, the ministry has scheduled repair work from 3 a.m. on Saturday to 5 a.m. on Monday. However, the timeline may be adjusted if adverse weather conditions or operational challenges arise.
During the repair period, congestion is anticipated, and drivers are advised to allocate extra time for their journeys. Public transit is also encouraged as an alternative. Quebec 511 offers assistance to travelers in planning their routes, with the toll on Highway 30 westbound remaining waived during the weekday morning rush hours until all restrictions are lifted.
The ministry emphasizes that while some parts of the bridge may exhibit wear or corrosion, this does not necessarily indicate structural issues, clarifying in a news release. Continuous maintenance, including inspections and repairs, is part of the ongoing upkeep program for the Honoré-Mercier Bridge to ensure its safety.
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