Questions

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447 Responses to “Questions”

  1. André Girard :

    Due to technical problems that have occurred recently (hacking), we have had to restore the blog related to the rehabilitation of the Honoré-Mercier Bridge. As a result, over the last couple of days, we have lost certain comments as well as some recent posts.

    Therefore, we will republish some of the most recent posts. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we archive received comments and have sent most of them to the ministère des Transports du Québec, since these comments and complaints concern the work that is scheduled to take place underneath the bridge next weekend, namely January 27 to 29.
    Thank you,

    André

  2. Edmund :

    Message to sabrina. I read you want to get away from the city and want to move to chateauguay. Perhaps Andre Girard can mention when the bridge work is supposed to be finished, but I will guess at 2013. Bridge work on the Mercier means that in the spring you can expect massive amounts of traffic , one lane in each direction, weekends usually mean close to an hour or more sometimes to come and go on the bridge. So, barely moving at all, and cars trying to go in illegal sections of the road so as to get around you, constant jockeying intop position to go ahead of you, jumping the line. The native police never stop these infractions, they prefer hiding in the dark and ticketing you if you go 2 KMs over 70 KMs an hour. i speak from experience, so this is what you should expect.

  3. Joanne :

    I am planning to go to school in Saint Lambert. I do not know where to post this question. But, what are the opening times for the bridge in the morning and afternoon? Are both lanes open in the morning and afternoon?

  4. Sabrina :

    Hello

    I am living in Montreal and thinking about moving to Chateauguay to get away from the crazy city. My husband and I work downtown montreal.

    I heard a lot of negative talk about the mercier bridge. Will I regret my move??

  5. Rocco :

    After investing so much money in the repair of his bridge that we all use everyday, wouldn’t be a good idea to make it look also pretty. It is a shame that other cities have nicer bridges (like Vancouver). some nice lightning would do the job…..Isn’t it Montreal a beautiful city, so why not besides making them useful also can become a nice attraction.

  6. Mike C. :

    Can you provide any more information about what we have been reading concerning the reports that the repairs were not done correctly? Broken bolts, wrong bolts, plates not secured………and that these repairs will need to be done again………How is it that engineers can give a passing grade and open the bridge yet the reality is something different? This latest news is very alarming and worrisome!!
    Will south shore commutors again become hostages to affect repairs that should have been done correctly the first time?!

  7. André Girard :

    @ Brian

    There should be no work at this date and time on the Mercier Bridge. Two lanes will be opened in each direction. If you’re not passing by this bridge, you will have to take the Champlain Bridge, and the trafic should be the same, so Mercier is a good option. Thank you.

  8. Brian :

    I need to pick up a family member at Trudeau Airport on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 3 PM. How many lanes of traffic will be open in each direction at that time? We are coming from the south (Vermont). Do you suggest an alternate route?

  9. Carolyn :

    Can you give me the current situation of how many lanes are open on the Mercier bridge during rush hour in the morning and evening during the week? I can’t seem to find this info anywhere on your website.

    Thank you,

  10. Joey :

    can you please provide a clear answer as to what the status of of the overall repair is. Something easy to understand like 20% 30% 40% etc…as well what the expected date/ year tha the work should be completed 2012?2013?2014???

  11. Suzanne :

    I am driving from Ottawa to Sherbrooke in the morning on Monday, November 14th. Will the bridge be open to traffic travelling from LaSalle to the south shore? If so, during what hours? How many lanes will be open (heading south)? Thank you.

  12. Mike C :

    If the weekend madness isnt enough let the MTQ close it done to opposeing lanes AGAIN during the week! Who decides this stupidity!
    How about an extra shift in the evening? Step it up somewhat, whatever it takes, this is enough long ago.
    I have noted our Mayoress has not had much bite in our perils and, when will the south shore Chamber of Commerce(s) chime in with some influnence.

  13. Edmund Gleason :

    I don`t blame Mr. Girard for this weekend horror show, as he is the messenger. But whoever is creating this one lane in each direction policy is screwing up my weekends as I have reasons to complicated to explain here that force me back and forth on the weekends between Montreal and Chateauguay. I live far from the Champlain so it isn`t convenient either. Can overnight work be explored as an alternative, and let the taxpayers drive on theweekend pay for their overtime. I wonder if I will live to see the end of the orange cone experience on the Mercier Bridge.

  14. André Girard :

    @ Jody Sutherland

    There is always one lane opened in each direction on the Mercier Bridge. Here’s the scheduled of the MTQ :

    Two lanes toward Montréal and one toward the South Shore
    - 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Friday

    One lane toward Montréal and two toward the South Shore
    - 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Wednesday
    - 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday

    One lane in each direction
    - 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monday to Wednesday
    - 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., Thursday and Friday
    - Weekends and holidays

    Thank you.

  15. André Girard :

    @ JW Wagner

    Only one lane will be opened in each direction this coming weekend (Saturday and Sunday), I’ve just received the information from the MTQ. It should be easier by the Champlain Bridge, because the work scheduled for this weekend will be finished at noon on Sunday. Thank you

  16. André Girard :

    @ Edmund Gleason

    One lane will be opened in each direction this coming weekend, I’ve just received the information from the MTQ. Thank you.

  17. JW Wagner :

    We are traveling through Montreal back to Ottawa from New England on Sunday afternoon – what is the condition of the lanes/traffic flow on the Mercier Bridge on Sundays between 2pm and 6pm? Are all lanes open or are there lane restrictions on Sundays similar to night time.

  18. Edmund Gleason :

    How many lanes open this weekend?

  19. Jody sutherland :

    Will the bridge be open to outgoing traffic on Nov.2 at 11;30am and open to incoming traffic on the same day at 2;30pm ?

  20. Mike C. :

    Whoever thought of closing the bridge to 1 lane each way on a workday should be FIRED!! 2 hours just to get on in Lasalle!!
    Why were they not running an extra shift, or maybe a little overtime, to get all this done without AGAIN taking the users hostage?
    To have this done to us is completely unacceptable!

  21. Joel :

    When will the southbound side of the bridge be fully re-opened to two lanes?
    We can see that they are clearly working on the guard rails which I assume is under the mandate of this project and not the MTQ so I would that this question can actually be answered rather than referring me to the MTQ…

  22. lydia :

    Hello, is the bridge open between 4am to 5am

  23. Louise Hoit :

    I am going to Montreal on Sunday Oct 1 to the Bell Centre. Will we be able to cross the Mercier Bridge in the afternoon and then return off the island late in the evening. Also if it is open, is the DeLaverendrye exit to Verdun open. We live in New York State and always park at Angrignon Park. Any help you give me would be very much appreciated. Thanks

  24. Mandeep Kumar Kauldhar :

    What is happening in Contract B as this is not demonstrated in DEMOs as you did for Contract A. What exactly they will replace in Contract B as i am not very much a Civil engineer guy do you have some demostration video or ocument which tells us what is going to happen to Mercier Bridge the St-lawrence river section?

    Regards
    Mandeep

  25. André Girard :

    @ Dan Newman

    No, this rumor is not truth at all. Thank you.

  26. Dan Newman :

    Is there any truth to the rumor that the Mercier bridge will be completly shut down starting Friday Sept 16th until Monday the 19th ??

  27. Stuart McKelvie :

    Dear M. Girard,

    I have looked at the latest reports on your site.

    My question pertains to Sunday, September 18, 2011.

    I wish to travel from the city of Sherbrooke to the PET airport on Sunday afternoon or evening and will be returning to Sherbrooke around 1.30 a.m. on Monday morning.

    I see that there is work planned for the Champlain bridge. Should I avoid it in both directions? Or will things be OK on at least one direction?

    If I should avoid Champlain is the Mercier open in both directions?

    Thanks in advance for responding.

  28. Douglas Jack :

    Will the bridge authority plan with the commuter train to re-open the old Kahnawake train station? As an old bridge the Mercier will still have repair challenges for years to come. I travel by foot and bicycle to Kahnawake and know many hundreds of pedestrian and cyclist trips per day can be accommodated. The commuter train will help pedestrians and cyclists during eventual bridge repair periods. Will the bridge authority put signs up informing pedestrians and cyclists of expected opening dates for them as well as alternative bus and train locations and provisions?

  29. Lydia :

    Is the Airlie Street entrance to the Mercier Bridge open?

  30. Bonnie Hasan :

    I have visitors coming up through Plattsburg late this afternoon, Tuesday, September 6th, 2011… Will they be able to use the Mercier Bridge to come into Lachine around 5 pm?? If not, how can I direct them to the Champlain Bridge. Thank you for your help.

  31. Vero :

    Will the mercier be open both ways as of Sept 6th.
    Thanks!

  32. jay :

    is the bridge still opening up for september 5th or 6th if not i need to know when it does open for real…. i need to know for work. it was on the neews and everything so it should be opend right? let me know asap thanks.

  33. Denis :

    All I have heard is that the bridge will re-open tomorrow as scheduled. However many people are telling me there is a new times table and configuration and that despite the bridge re-opening, there will indeed continue to be 1 lane only in effect. I cannot find any updates here. Could you please tell us what is going on?

  34. Bob Higgs :

    Hello, When is the emergency work scheduled to be finished? I haven’t heard anything on the news and the lack of a progress report has me concerned. The longer hours and distance required to travel to and from work is really getting to me and others in my situation. It’s a matter of courtesy to the citizens/tax-payers/population. Too bad an election wasn’t close, then we would get all this information!

  35. Edmund Gleason :

    OnSeptember 6th, there will be changes. It would be nice to see what the differences will be. Mr. Girard, please make things crystal clear. I am glad that Mr. Girard uses montreal bound and Chateauguay bound references, rather than the radio station reports I`ve heard referring to inbound and outbound . Hard to know if inbound is heading to Montreal or Chateauguay, the same for Outbound.

  36. Diane S. :

    I noticed this morning Sept 2, 11 huge sign says closed 6:45 to 9:45 Monday thru Friday. Is that a.m. or p.m. Direction going south on the mercier bridge.

  37. Pearl B. :

    For travel on Friday, September 2, 2011 in the morning towards St. Constant,when is the Mercier Bridge open and when on Sunday, September 4, 2011, will the bridge be open to return to Montreal?

  38. André Girard :

    @ Emma

    Yes, the configuration will be the same this weekend. Thank you.

  39. Mike :

    I think Mr.Girard is stuck at the bottom of the bridge, on either side, or is simply waiting for Mr. Hamad to release and explain the reports!!
    Mike C

  40. M :

    On Labour day (Monday, September 5, 2011), what will the pont Mercier hours be? Will it be the same hours as of the weekend (ie 1 line in each direction)?
    thanks
    Emma

  41. On the verge of a break down :

    Where are all the answers? I only see questions (rightfully, so !!)
    Will this actually help, those in the opposite direction…. I now travel 100 kilometers, (return trip) which is only a 32kilomoter (return trip) , I havent seen an increase in salary.(for all that extra gas)the time factor, what was a 20 min door to door, has become 1.5 hr trip..back tracking to Jacques Cartier, so I keep moving..(helps my sanity instead of crossing champlain,(.I am fighting the strong feeling I am getting from throwing myself off the bridge, no specific one in particular,
    Lets hope I last this week, keep you posted on the PROGESS, when the one lane into chateauguay reopens next week SEPT 6

  42. On the verge of a break down :

    Where are all the answers? I only see questions (rightfully, so !!)
    Will this actually help, those in the opposite direction…. I now travel 100 kilometers, (return trip) which is only a 32kilomoter (return trip) , I havent seen an increase in salary…only the strong feeling I am getting from throwing myself off the bridge, no specific one in particular, I tried all…..No one cares !!!!!!

  43. Jesse :

    Do you know if there are plans to install traffic web cams on the south shore side of the bridge?

  44. Eric :

    Why isn’t the English site updated as frequently as the French site?

  45. glen :

    When will the bridge go back to regular hours? I need to know before I sign up my girls for sports on the opposite side of the water. They need to be in Pointe Claire for 19:00, but right now the bridge only opens to cross at 19:30.

    please repsond asap, as I have to pay very soon.

  46. Lorraine Butfield :

    We are getting really fed up of this bridge situation..When will it end..Enough is enough.

  47. Edmund Gleason :

    To Vanessa. I guess I was trying to be positive for a change. I have complained allot on this site as you can see if you look back. True, it is an inconvenience to time my many visits to Chateauguay so as to not get caught in the traffic mess. We should be able to come and go as we please so as to not have to follow so many rules of when it goes 1 way, the other way, both way etc. I believe this will be better in September? I hope so.

  48. Mike :

    Is the bridge still closed going towards west 138 West through Chateauguay? If so, when will it open?

  49. Bill :

    The Mercier was supposed to be reopened ‘as usual’ (two lanes in each direction, all day/night) as of ‘late August’. Is this still on track, or will those living in Montreal but working in Chateauguay have to deal with more Champlain detours for a longer time?

  50. Sal :

    Hi posted a message on July 13. Never got an answer to my question. re-posted here again. Thanks
    What is the status on the Mercier bridge replacement project. We have not had any updates for a very long time. Please give update on the site. Thank

  51. vanessa :

    Can someone please get me an update on the state of the Mercier Bridge. Will it be ready for september. I got back to work soon and I am very stressed. Where can i get an update?

  52. vanessa :

    To Edmund, not everyone can follow the guidelines, as you put it. I work in lasalle and teach in chateauguay. It was taking me about 2 hours each way, When will this nightmare be over?

  53. KMartin :

    I will be moving to that area soon and I will have to cross the bridge, I would like to know the schedual of when the bridge will be closed ( english version)

  54. Martine :

    When will the bridge repair causing the outgoing or incoming traffic only at rush hour be completed? I am looking for a real timeline, I keep hearing: “ready for back to school”, “ready in 6 more months”, etc. My husband works on the southshore and thus has to drive 2 hrs each way to get to and from work, he does not see his son much because of that and we want to know when we will have a normal life again.
    thanks.

  55. Edmund Gleason :

    I must say that if you follow the guidelines of when to come and go on the bridge, it is possible to not be delayed too long. Since June, I have had only 2 trips that lasted 45 minutes, and I use the bridge usually 3 times a week.I have complained allot about the bridge, but if at all possible use the guidelines. For weekends, go before 10:00 if you can, it is an easy ride. During the week, go to Chateauguay from mopntreal during rush hour costs you 45 minutes about. Hey, I can remember 2 hour nightmares a couple of years back. Also, thanks for those who administer the site. I posted something a bit too personal 2 weeks ago, called and asked for it to be removed, and they did so.

  56. Mary :

    Mr.Girard
    why is that the one lane from laprarie side is constantly stopped by the red light whereas the two lanes from chateuguay are not affected at all?

  57. vanessa :

    When is the bridge going to be okay? School starts very soon,a many teachers live in montreal and teach in chateauguay.

  58. denis :

    I have a suggestion. When leaving Chateauguay using the Mercier there are many many drivers using the bus lanes to cut into traffic, as well many of them are going around the La Prairie exit and then trying to cut into traffic more near the top. this causes mega delays and problems. While I suppose the La Prairie move is legal I know the bus lanes are not and it would be nice to see a police presence there to avoid this or help show commuters that this is not helping traffic. None of us like sitting in traffic and so what makes them so special? Please if there are Peace Keepers listening here, this is a good chance for you to see some of the problems we face and hopefully nab a few drivers for this illegal move.

  59. Jack :

    Trucks SHOULD NOT be allowed on the bridge again. This is the SECOND time a truck knocks a cone and it almost hit my car. PLEASE STOP TRUCKS FROM GOING ON THE BRIDGE. The bridge SHAKES a lot with them and they keep knocking cones down. You guys need to implement the no truck rules again!! Can you guys do that?

  60. Heather David :

    Hello,
    As a daily commuter from Town of Mt. Royal to Candiac, I would like to get an update as to when the Mercier Bridge will have completed the work to the point that lanes both ways will be open during morning and afternoon rush hour commutes. The original information given by the transport minister was that the closures would be for the summer. I have not heard any further update on the timeline for this. Thanking you in advance for your prompt response

    Heather David
    514-941-0422
    heatherd@colba.net

  61. André Girard :

    @ Marie-Claude

    It’s not possible to cross right now the Mercier Bridge by bike because of the work on the side of the bridge where is the sidewalk. Thank you.

  62. marie-claude :

    What is the actual situation concerning bicycles on the mercier bridge right now?

  63. Johnny K. :

    I have to take the Mercier bridge almost everyday to get to work and because of the bridge I started my shift extra earlier.

    My question is; At what time are you closing the entry ramps towards the bridge?

    I know that the bridge is closed at 4:15AM but the entry ramps sometimes are closed way before 4:15AM. 2 days ago I saw the traffic cones at 4AM. Forcing people to drive around. So yesterday I tried to go even earlier. At 3:45AM it was the same thing. The cones were almost towards the end. I had to cross over the double line and the hard shoulder to make that exit. So breaking several traffic rules. Which I rather avoid.

    I don’t mind going even earlier. But I have the feeling that the orange jacket men aren’t following the instructions given and thus forcing people to break the law.

    Hope to hear soon from you.

    With kind regards,

    Johnny K.

  64. Patricia :

    Ah what a wonderful response to Denis (NOT)…as you said no one cares, Mr. Girard probably doesn’t have to take the Mercier or worry about finances as we do. Two lanes open in the morning so why was this morning the left side going in the barriers were down? There is enuf problems this shld not happen! But falls on deaf ears!

  65. André Girard :

    @ Denis

    On weekend there is one lane open in each direction on the Mercier Bridge. There is always some traffic but it will depend at what time you will cross the Bridge. Maybe the best for you is to take the Champlain Bridge. There will be no road work during the day on the Champlain Bridge this next weekend, only a night closure that should finished around 9 or 10 AM. You can also take the Mercier Bridge, but it is better to take it early in the morning to avoid the traffic. If you take a taxi, try to take it early in the morning so it won’t take you too long. Thank you.

  66. Denis :

    This has had to have been the worst possible summer travelling experience ever. Mr Girard.. look at this wall of complaints! People losing their jobs, moving out of the south shore, simple trips taking upwards of 2-3 hours at a time. Its an absolute nightmare out there. I realize this is a site for discussions of bridge traffic and closures but these are the two things that are affected so many lives and wallets. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I have spent in gas just trying to earn a living. Switching to the citso public transport was no better. 140 per month for buses that may or may not be there despite the advertised “more buses” on citso’s site. There is just no end to the disruptions and hardships we are all facing. I realize you will just tell me to redirect my questions but kind sir, please realize nothing gets done. As a mere citizen they don’t listen to me. People I emplore you.. we need relief. We need a system that works and we need to know how things are going. I heard only 1 gusset was changed. Can you confirm this?

  67. NANCY :

    Is the schedual any different with the 2 weeks of construction holidays in QC?

  68. Denis :

    Cher Monsieur/Madame,
    I have to be at an important family event July 30 Saturday. I have to go from the Via rail station to a Chateauguay Church and return the same day. I have a disability that limits my mobility. How many hours do I allot for a taxi ride across the Mercier Bridge.My family will be very disappointed if I can’t be there due to endless construction problems.Please help.
    Merci.

  69. André Girard :

    @ Kristen

    The Mercier Bridge will be open, but there’s some important restriction right now to access to it depending of the hour. I refer you to the press release that the Ministère des Transports du Québec has published about it.

  70. Kristen :

    I will be visiting family in Chateauguay from July 31-August 1. I will need to get to Dorval train station on August 1st. Will the bridge be open?

  71. Eileen Yudelson :

    Will the Mercier Bridge be open going out of Montreal on Wed., July 20, after 9.30AM?

  72. Natalie :

    Thanks to the MErcier Bridge Mess, I now have no Job!! Yesterday I left my house at 12:45pm..Waiting in the long line to cross the bridge just to have them shut the lane 4 cars ahead of me!! needless to say I got to work at 3:55PM!! I work in NDG what used to be a 20m drive took me over 3 hrs!! Because this is about my 10th time late now I was let go!! So I would like to know is the government now going to pay my rent and put food in my fridge to feed my child??? Plus all the extra i had to pay in gas for the last month of having to go to other bridges??? I am disgusted and will be moving out of chateauguay as soon as I can!! IT’s a shame since my son has lived here all his life and now because the government is unable to keep our bridges safe I have to up-root his whole life and move. Thanks Mercier Bridge for messing up my whole life!!

  73. Sal :

    What is the status on the Mercier bridge replacement project. We have not had any updates for a very long time. Please give update on the site. Thank

  74. André Girard :

    @ Catherine

    The Ministère des Transports du Québec have sent us this information regarding lanes closures :
    Du lundi au vendredi, la gestion de la circulation se fera en quatre temps :

    * De 5 h à 9 h, deux voies en direction Montréal
    * De 9 h 45 à 14 h 15, une voie dans chaque direction
    * De 15 h à 19 h, deux voies en direction Châteauguay
    * De 19 h 45 à 4 h 15, une voie dans chaque direction.

    If you have questions, suggestions or comments related to this major closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, it’s more efficient to contact directly the MTQ at http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en/joindre or by calling 511.

  75. André Girard :

    @ Laurent, Stacy, Patricia and Mike

    Please note that this blog has been created for the deck replacement project by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) and not for the operation and maintenance of the bridge by the MTQ. We just want to share the messages from the MTQ for the benefit of motorists.

    If you have questions, suggestions or comments related to the MTQ lane closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, please visit their website http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en/joindre or call 511.

  76. Catherine :

    Please confirm exact time of lane openings southbound to Chateauguay in morning, and return to Montreal in pm.
    Thanks

  77. stacy :

    Although I haven’t heard back from anyone regarding my question, I would like to thank someone because today for the 1st time since the new lane configuration I actually got to work on time! Why? Because the lane configuration wasn’t changed before early!!

  78. mike :

    Hello I have a couple of questions and suggestions.

    1. Why are there no traffic cameras from the Chateauguay and st constant/laprairie sides towards montreal?

    2. The lane change configuration towards the south shore is done much too late. The one way must be completed no later than 2pm.

    3. During the weekend when its 1 on 1 traffic. The La prairie access ramp towards montreal should not be open. This causes substantial delays on the Chateauguay side however the La prairie side has merely a few cars.

  79. Patricia :

    I am trying to understand the logic of having the truck ban lifted? Trucks have been using an alternate route for months why would you decide when the bridge is in worse shape and KNOW traffic flow is going to be horrendous allow then back on?

  80. stacy :

    Please can someone explain something to me?
    Your press release about new lane configurations •De 5 h à 9 h, deux voies en direction Montréal / •De 9 h 45 à 14 h 15, une voie dans chaque direction /
    •De 15 h à 19 h, deux voies en direction Châteauguay / •De 19 h 45 à 4 h 15, une voie dans chaque direction

    I would like to know why at 9:00 am the lane configurations have already been changed and only 1 lane is available going into Montreal??? Clearly this means they are starting to change the lanes before they should… People have adjusted their work schedule in order to compensate for the new lane configurations, how about the governement actually respect the hours they have obliged us to? I has become very frustrating morning after morning stuck in traffic for everyone how about you don’t add to the frustration by not respecting the hours of the lane change?

  81. Laurent :

    Is the truck ban still in effect? I went over the bridge today at 10:15AM and 1PM and we saw about 2 dozen big trucks crossing the bridge.

  82. André Girard :

    @John
    Please note that this blog has been created for the deck replacement project by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) and not for the operation and maintenance of the bridge by the MTQ. We just want to share the messages from the MTQ for the benefit of motorists.

    If you have questions or comments related to the MTQ lane closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, please visit their website http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en/joindre or call 511.

  83. André Girard :

    @MP
    If you have questions or comments related to the MTQ lane closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, please visit their website http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en/joindre or call 511.
    A press release from the MTQ was also released the 22th regarding traffic management on the Honoré-Mercier Bridge http://bit.ly/mlwwwJ.

  84. André Girard :

    @Vaness
    If you have questions or comments related to the MTQ lane closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, please visit their website http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/portal/page/portal/accueil_en/joindre or call 511.

  85. André Girard :

    @Wesley
    If you have questions or comments related to the MTQ lane closure or any other matter relating to these decisions, please visit their website, or call 511
    A press release from the MTQ was also released the 22th regarding traffic management on the Honoré-Mercier Bridge http://bit.ly/mlwwwJ.

  86. Wesley :

    What is the bridge configuration for the Canada Day long weekend?

  87. vanessa :

    What I being done for people who live in montreal and work in Chateauguay, and who need to get there during rush hour? I am a teacher and I can say many teachers live in Montreal. It needs to be one way, one way at all times. When will this be resolved?

  88. MP :

    can someone let me know the configuraton for the Friday July 1st holiday? Is it one lane each way?

  89. A.B. :

    Andre, I would like to know why yesterday when I crossed the bridge at 3:30 pm and the bridge was still one lane, but just the turn to get to the other side, and once on the bridge it was two lanes (with some worker sitting in his truck watching instead of moving the cones)? Everyone knows traffic on the bridge starts at least at 2:30 lately and if they say the bridge is going to be open two lanes at 3, please make sure this happens.

  90. MJBH :

    It was announced that starting Monday, June 27, the following schedule will be used from Monday to Friday:
    -From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. two lanes towards Montreal.
    -From 9:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. one lane in each direction.
    -From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. two lanes towards Kahnawake.
    -From 7:45 p.m. to 4:5 a.m. one lane in each direction
    To my disappointment (and many other road users) “at 1:55 pm” the Montreal bound lane was already closed.
    Accordingly, I will like to know at what time the Montreal bound lane closes, please be precise.
    Greatly appreciate your help.

  91. Marlene Sim :

    The times changes to reconfigure lanes to and from Montreal are not compatible with traffic! The changes should be finished by 2pm to allow 2 lanes into Chateauguay, and the morning time should be 10;30 opening to 2 lanes (in and out). The hours you have set now will cause major traffic jams EVERY night homeward bound. Will you have someone who understands the traffic times to Chateauguay re-consider these times please! Thank you.

  92. Real User :

    I just want to know what is open and when. Simple, straightforward and clear. I don’t give a * how many people are working, which contracts etc. If you came to my cafe for a coffee you would not want to have to read my lease before ordering.
    It is obvious from your website that you still don’t ask “WHAT DO REAL PEOPLE USING THE BRIDGE NEED TO KNOW NOW AND FOR THE NEAR FUTURE.” Otherwise the first thing on your site would be a clock with just 3 pieces of information. What hours, what directions, how many lanes. THAT’S ALL I WANT TO KNOW.

  93. John Mullen :

    Mr. Girard,
    I left Chateauguay this morning at 6:30 and the traffic was backed up till Chateauguay (Rona)!!

    After waiting for over an hour to cross the bridge I realized that the cones placed between the 2 lanes to facilitate the after rush hour traffic were causing all this mess!!! because after crossing the bridge the access to the 20 was clear.

    I do not know what to say or ask for because in either case users will be affected given that I understand the rationale behind allowing traffic to flow from both direction after rush hour…However, I still think the cones will cause more trouble and traffic so please can you let somebody responsible know about this mess??

    One more thing, I have visited countries like Madagascar, Bolivia, etc and have never seen an infrastructure or a state of a bridge that is in this shape…So I ask who dropped the ball??? And why??? All these years nobody realized that this bridge in in urgent need of repair or even replacement!!!

  94. Tomasz :

    Mr. Girard, Can someone answer my question concerning cracked asphalt on the ramp from Chateauguay?

  95. Diane Proulx-Dowser :

    It’s me again I forgot to say that I will be coming back to Rigaud Monday, sorry…
    still: best time to leave Brossard next Monday, thx Diane

  96. Diane Proulx-Dowser :

    I intend to leave from Rigaud qc to go to Brossard, Friday June 24; what are my best option, road to take and time to leave Rigaud, qc, Thank you so so much, Diane

  97. David D. :

    Dear Mr. Girard,

    This is a bridge rehab related question and not MTQ related (At least i don’t think so… Not sure if the Monette overpass recontruction is part of Contract B or not).

    I was wondering, since the Westbound portion of the bridge is now closed (Probably for a very long time till at least September), will they continue to build the temporary ramp Bypass?? OR is this project now abandoned since it’s purpose was to bypass traffic and to keep 2 lanes open while the Monette overpass was recontructed.

    Can work now begin on the recontruction of this overpass since traffic is already closed here anyway?

    Seems to me that if indeed its part of Contract B then work should begin on this part of the project immediately to take full advantage of this BAD situation. Money can be saved here by halting immediately the work being done on the Bypass, unless it will still be needed due to the duration of the work…. No point in spending funds on building a temporary bypass ramp that won’t be needed…

    Any info on this would be much appreaciated,
    Thanks.
    David D.

  98. Mike C :

    Very well said Joel!
    I am now astounded by the anouncement that heavy trucks are invited back to the Mercier!!
    So let us get this right……traffic is at its worst ever, lets through big trucks into the mix right now!!
    Who makes these decisions?

  99. André Girard :

    I can only assume that the engineers at the MTQ are evaluating what needs to be done to reopen as soon as possible. Replacing the gosset plate is not a simple process that can be done overnight. It will most likely involve design, production and installation in phases etc…

    I am convinced that the MTQ will announce its plans in the near future. At least I hope.

  100. André Girard :

    I am very conscious of the deplorable situation caused by this incident and my heart is with all bridge users affected.

    I publish every MTQ news release as soon as I get them. Only the MTQ have all the answers to your questions because they are operators of the bridge. I cannot publish news releases if I don’t get them.

    Speaking of which…….I just received and posted a new MTQ press release on additional closures on the French Blog. English should be up soon.

    While the MTQ Ouest de la Montérégie contact operating the Mercier Bridge is at the bottom of the news release, contacting Quebec 511 is the preferred MTQ avenue for questions and complaints.

  101. Wesley :

    What will be the lane configuration on the bridge for Friday June 24th? will it be the same as a Saturday/Sunday

  102. Kim :

    I find it hard to believe that citizens who reside on the island of Montreal are being neglected to use the bridge to get to work on the south shore. I would only think it is fair that there should always be two lanes in two different directions. Has any one given any thought or consideration to those who live in Montreal and work in Chateuaguy?

  103. Mike Currie :

    Mr. Girard,
    Can you explain, even though that section of the bridge is not within your mandate, why in passing at 3 30 this afternoon NOBODY was working on the affected areas?! The Lapraire ramp was in full work mode with many wprkers present.
    Given the gravity and urgency of the work entailed one would think 3 work shifts would be implemented to end this mess ounce and for all….
    Mike C.

  104. Joel :

    Mr. Girard,
    I was wondering if you could help shed some light on a few questions that I and some of my fellow Mercier bridge commuters have been discussing over the last week:
    1. How many people are actually working on the bridge to rectify the current situation? (If the answer is less than 100, why hasn’t the bridge consortium and the MTQ arranged to throw every available worker onto the issue… There are plenty of hours of sunlight these days yet I don’t see too many worker bees, whether it is 8am or 7pm).
    2. Is there any other work, other than the critical reinforcement of the gousset joints, that can be done while the bridge is shut down? For example, the reinforcement of the guard rails thus allowing the removal of the NJ barriers? How about preparatory work for the long overdue installation of the new deck panels…)
    3. Why is it that the weekend lane configuration allows commuters headed towards the South Shore to be brought back onto the west-bound side of the bridge before exiting either LaPrairie or Chateauguay but the weekday configuration requires everyone to be routed towards Chateauguay with a detour through Kahnawake for 132 users? (Can we not merge the right-lane of the Mercier on to the westbound side allowing LaPrairie exit users to avoid this unnecessary detour?)

    In the event that you feel the need to re-direct me to the MTQ, please remember that you are dealing with a hihghly frustrated population that continues to be delivered bad news on an almost weekly basis. Perhaps you can provide me with the name of someone at the MTQ that is in a position to address these concerns and provide some semblance of an intelligent response.
    Regards,
    Joel

  105. Patrick O'Rourke :

    Can you please leave one lane each way over night till 4am, Give us evening and night worker a chance!!!! At least to come home!!!! You say the bridge changes at midnight but every time I come to the bridge at 11:40- 11:45 its already closed…. Not fair!!!!
    I leave work early just to make it before midnight…. Wake up!!!! Its bad enough to take alternate routes to goto work at least it would be nice to come straight home after work..

  106. Frances Kairns :

    It would appear that repairs are not holding up well and creating more problems. How did the supports suddenly become so weak? Surely the deterioration has been ongoing for many years…??? I’m sure those concrete slabs are not helping. Will we at least have enough ‘safe’ road to have 2 lanes open this weekend???????? With the closing of more lanes on the Champlain bridge, we are looking at major problems for travellers.

  107. Robert Weiss :

    Hello André,
    I would like to first say as someone who lives on the south shore and takes the Mercier every day I am impressed with the engineers responsible for the re-routing of traffic every time there is an emergency repair required. I don’t find the traffic is more or less effected during these re-routing activities. It is a difficult job and let’s give credit where it is deserved.

    MY SUBJECT OF THE DAY: André, with all the problems, deteriorating bridge condition and latest surface holes appearing in the only 2 lanes left, WHY are trucks still permitted to cross the bridge? The weight is what is causing these issues. If the government continues to let trucks cross, the condition will deteriorate to a condition where you will have to close the bridge to ALL traffic! Then you will have a real nightmare on your hands. Don’t pass the buck to Transport Canada on this one. If the Quebec government feels there is a real safety issue with trucks continuing to cross the bridge then they can insist it be closed to truck traffic untill ALL bridge refurbishment work is complete. Take immediate action on this please…for all of us! Thank you André.

    Robert

  108. kirsten :

    comment: please post all closures and changes right away.

  109. Yvon Lebrun :

    Please advise when the construction on Honoré Mercier will be done. Do you have a schedule and a tentative date when the lanes will be open two ways in the near future? Why is direction to Montreal closed when you said it would remain open ?

  110. Linda :

    As an alternative to the Mercer Bridge being closed, wouldn’t it make sense to open the Ice Breaker Bridge towards Montreal in the morning and towards Ste-Catherine at night – similar to what they did in 1990 during the crisis in Kahnawake?

  111. Kim :

    Why was the bridge closed at 11pm on June 15th at on this site it reads that it will be closed at 12 to 1 to stop traffic. It was already closed at 11 when I was trying to come home after work. People who work nights finish at 11pm .

  112. sean :

    why can’t during the overnight hours, instead of having 2 lanes towards montreal have 1 lane in each direction so people who work shift work don’t have to make a major detour to come home

  113. H Jones :

    I am coming from Verdun over the bridge will it be open going into Chateauguay?

  114. Abbie :

    Last night I tried going on the brigde at 11:15pm seeing as you said it would be open till midnight to my surprise it had already been closed. Is this to be expected, or in the future it really will remain open till midnight.

  115. william :

    will I be able to access the mercier bridge directly from st jacques(coming from the Macdonalds) or will I have go an alternative route

    thanks

  116. brad :

    does this mean semi trucks are allowed to cross the bridge towards Chateaugay

  117. Cyrus :

    @Andy Spilioe

    Just recently the A-30 bypass of Delson/Candiac 132 opened, don’t ever drive that damn 132 anymore unless you want to buy gas or a pizza or something

    it runs currently from the 15 to the Oka-crisis Kahnawake Bypass and again to Chateauguay

    going west on 30 you’d go south on 15 and catch 30 again, but soon there will be opened “Jean-Leman” section of A-30 that will connect the two 30 on the east side of 15.

    Soon A-30 will go all the way on a new bridge to Valleyfield and meet up on the existing A-540 to the 40 at Vaudreuil.

  118. Cyrus :

    @ P.O.

    Out of everything there is to complain, Mercier potholes that break your suspension and make the muffler fall off, now it is closed and you can’t get home from work, Champlain about to fall in the water and it is the ée on the logo that is the big problem?!

  119. gilles :

    can you tel me what time the bridge will be two way in the morning and afternoon.thank you

  120. Edmund Gleason :

    Debbie Rolfe :
    JUNE 12TH, 2011 AT; 1:33 PM
    can you not give us one long weekend free July 1st because it is moveing time
    thanks

    Just curious. Are you moving out of Chateauguay. Might be a good time to do so. My girlfriend and her 2 kids live there, trying to get them to move. Instead of escape from Alcatraz, its escape from Chateauguay

  121. P.O. :

    Since when incorporée takes “ée”?
    On a Canada Government website?
    Neau wunder the bridjez are full of howles.
    Im moving to another country thats more advanced.
    Like India or Pakistan.
    F…!

  122. Tomasz :

    What about those cracks on the (inbound) Chateauguay ramp. This ramp was just rebuild, right?

  123. Lisa :

    Why hasn’t Transport Quebec considered removing the light from both the La Prairie and Chateaugay side? This light creates more traffic and problems.

  124. Andy Spilioe :

    I am coming from Brossard heading west on the 30. Where the 30 meets the 20 I noticed a sign that says New York and (this is new to me) and to the H.Mercier. Is there (or has there always been) an alternate route that would prevent me from driving through Delson and Ste Catherine?

  125. Debbie Rolfe :

    can you not give us one long weekend free July 1st because it is moveing time
    thanks

  126. André Girard :

    @ Shiraz Ali Kan, Gina Crotina and Natalia Pierna

    I invite you to contact the Ministère des Transports du Québec about the restriction for trucks, because the section of the Bridge, where the guardrails are to be secured, is on Transports Québec jurisdiction. Please contact Québec 511 or at 450 698-3400. Thank you.

  127. Shiraz Ali Kan :

    Hi. I would like to know if I can go on the Mercier bridge with a 12 feet cube truck? Thanks

  128. Gina Crotina :

    Can I drive a cube van over the Mercier Bridge?
    What are the restrictions? 10ft, 12ft, 14ft?
    Please let me know as I moving to Chateauguay at the end of June. Are there any lane closures?

    Thanking you,
    Gina Cortina

  129. Tomasz :

    I’ve noticed cracks on the new Chateauguay ramp (asphalt) . Is this normal?

  130. Natalia Pierna :

    Can I drive a cube van over the Mercier Bridge?
    What are the restrictions? 10ft, 12ft, 14ft?
    Please let me know as I moving to Chateauguy April 23rd. Are there any lane closures?
    Thanking you in advance,
    Natalia Pierna

  131. Natalia Pierna :

    Can I drive a cube van over the Mercier Bridge?
    What are the restrictions? 10ft, 12ft, 14ft?
    Please let me know as I moving to Chateauguy April 23rd.
    Thanking you in advance,
    Natalia Pierna

  132. Edmund Gleason :

    Inspections, Rehabilitation. Now we see a progress report about this and things are moving along. We are told this will last until late 2013. So, my goal is to live long enough to cross this bridge without delays. I am in my 50`s so this is not a certainty.

  133. André Girard :

    @ Edward and Caren

    There will be no closure on the Mercier Bridge for the Easter Holiday. Thank you.

  134. André Girard :

    @ Jeremiah

    You can cross the Jacques Cartier Bridge with a scooter. For the Mercier Bridge, you should check with the Ministère des Transports du Québec to be sure. You can contact them at 450 698-3400. Thank you.

  135. jeremiah :

    hello im curious if i am alowed to cross the bridge on my scooter?

  136. Edward :

    Bonjour – can you please tell me if there will be lane closures on the Mercier Bridge on Saturday April 23 2011. Thank you in advance for your response.

  137. Caren :

    Will the bridge be down to 1 lane over the Easter holiday?

  138. André Girard :

    @ Jeffrey

    Yes, the MTQ advised us yesterday that the inspection work will continue this weekend. We have published a post about it. We don’t have so much information about the progress of these inspections. We will inform you as fast as we can, by the time we receive the information. Thank you.

  139. Jeffrey :

    Hello. Will the Mercier bridge have lane closures again the weekend of April 15-18th? Thanks

  140. André Girard :

    @ Deborah

    Yes, the Ministère des Transports informed us today that they will continue this week-end. If you need more information, you can contact them at 450 698-3400. Thank you.

  141. Deborah :

    Will there be work on the Mercier bridge this weekend April 9-10? Will the lanes be reduced? My daughert is getting married this weekend in Montreal and we need to plan accordingly.

  142. Cyrus :

    @MikeC

    It is because of the design of the bridges, Champlain has serious issues with the concrete that forms the structure, whereas for Mercier the structure is steel and basically fine, only the concrete road deck is crap and so they are replacing only the deck.

    The steely trussy part of the Champlain is fine, but the concrete viaduct approaches on both sides of it are in very bad shape and there isn’t really any way to rebuild it, this is my understanding after reading the reports.

  143. Joel :

    Mr. Girard,
    As someone who works in project management and is accountable for meeting timelines and deliverables, I was wondering why there isn’t a section on this website relating to the overall project status and scheduled work streams between now and the project END DATE. Is the project team able to provide an overall estimated timeline relating to the major milestones planned between now and the completion of the Mercier Bridge work? Can someone provide the Mercier Bridge commuters with some hope that this work will be completed at some point in the near future? I am pleased to see that the work on 3 of 4 ramps is completed with the 4th now in progress however I am quite interested in knowing the timeline for the rest of the work. I believe many of my fellow commuters would like to know that there is an end in sight and what that date may be. For example, we had originally been told that the inspections would be completed by March and now it has been extended into April. This represents another weekend of congestion and traffic for commuters that need to use the bridge. I understand the need to conduct these inspections and ensure everyone’s safety however who is establishing the timelines needed to conduct the work effort and who is making these people accountable for meeting these timelines? It all seems a little bit too open-ended for my liking with no real end in sight…. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments, especially given the recent posting which indicates the work is extended into this weekend and the message finished with the following: “The results of these inspections will identify and prioritize interventions on the bridge, to eventually allow the return of heavy vehicles on the westbound lanes.” If I am being honest, the last thing on your minds should be the return of heavy vehicles onto this bridge. The immediate priority should be the livelihood and sanity of taxpaying commuters who have had to deal with endless access closures, lane reductions and hours spent in traffic. Any reference to prioritizing heavy trucks is a slap in the face to all of us who have had to re-organize our schedules, displacements and lives to accommodate the MTQ’s failure to address this issue in a timely and structured manner.

  144. André Girard :

    @ Sarah

    Yes there will be some work by the MTQ this coming weekend. You can read our last post for more information or contact the MTQ on Québec 511, because this weekend work is not part of the Mercier Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

  145. Sarah :

    Will there be construction on the bridge this upcoming weekend- April 2-3rd? I am planning to have guests come to Chateauguay and need to know if there will only be 1 lane available as was the case during all of March?

  146. David :

    Does this mean that certain trucks like cube vans are now allowed over the bridge? no more weight restriction?

  147. s russell :

    What will be the rush hour schedule for north bound and south bound traffic when one side of the bridge is completely closed for overhaul

  148. Mike C :

    Can Mercier Bridge have the same inspection firm from Ontario, that inspected and recommended replacement of Champlain Bridge, inspect Mercier?
    Why did the “other” bridge have a different firm hired inspect it?
    Just Curious?

  149. Mike C :

    How is it that Champlain Bridge will be completely replaced and Mercier will be “repaired”? This decision makes many curious. Is it the amount of voters in a given area that decides Champlain will get the money? Is Mercier being of less importance because it crosses Native land?
    Has this engineering firm from Ontario been invited to inspect Mercier Bridge? If they condeemed Champlain, they would certainly be agast at what they would find inspecting Mercier!!
    1 closure after another, many urgent discoveries and more closures, weight issues, rotted out gaurdrails and lets not forget the suspension destroying road surface!!
    So its clear, the money exists for a new bridge, it just doesnt exist for the Mercier.
    Why not float the comdemmed Champlain bridge over to REPLACE the Mercier?
    This whole Mercier Bridge saga is even more comical now that the gouvernment has commented and commited itself on the Champlain!.

  150. Fallas :

    Consider changing the header “actuality” on the English language site. A better translation of the french “actualite” is “status” or alternatively “update”. The english word “actuality” means something completely different.

  151. Mike C :

    It doesn’t take an engineer to see that the bridge is in extreemly poor condition, just seeing the crumbling concrete and rusted support is evidence enough.
    That said, even though repairs are underway, Mercier bridge will remain a 2 lane bridge which is completely inadequate given the growth of Chateauguay, St Constant and the neighboring cities. This bridge in its current configuration will never meet the needs of the commutors using it unless expanded. Have the people who sit at the big round table ever considered this?
    The population using the Mercier bridge express themselves here because this site is the most up to date and informative, Info 511 has nothing to offer and is difficult to navigate. Thank you for tolerating our sometimes pointed views and, from time to time, off topic opinions.
    Thank you and keep up the good work.
    Mike C

  152. André Girard :

    Well, Friday 23:59 PM or Saturday midnight isn’t the same? We are sorry for the confusion, but the date and time did not change since the MTQ announce it.

  153. André Girard :

    @ Mike Currie, cityboy and amy

    We have received your comments, which express numerous concerns about the Honoré Mercier Bridge. As we have mentioned several times on this blog, it is preferable for you to share your concerns directly with the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) since the current inspections are taking place in their territory. However, we can affirm that the MTQ is managing this project rigorously and that these inspections are aimed at restoring traffic for heavy vehicles on the bridge. Regarding the state of the Honoré Mercier Bridge’s structure, we can assure you that the federal section of the bridge has been inspected several times and judged to be safe. Indeed, practically all the access ramps on the South Shore side have been replaced.

    As for the provincial section, the MTQ has also advised that numerous inspectors are present and that there should be no concerns. The installation of the New Jersey crash barriers was necessary following an inspection of the guardrails not the bridge’s structure. Thus, it is normal to reduce traffic on the bridge (trucks) when adding a steady load such as the New Jersey barriers which are made of cement and therefore quite heavy. We understand your concerns and it is true that major work must be done on this bridge.

    The rehabilitation project launched in 2009 will enable the complete replacement of the bridge’s deck towards the South Shore. Next spring, we will begin major steel reinforcement work on the bridge’s structure underneath the deck, and also start with the reconstruction of the Monette viaduct towards the South Shore. In 2012, we will then be able to replace the deck and install new concrete slabs, including new guardrails. These slabs will have an average life of 75 years. We are at the dawn of this rehabilitation work, which will completely renew this bridge and provide it with a well-deserved rejuvenation cure. For now though, we will continue to keep an eye on the bridge’s structure and in the spring we will start work underneath the bridge. Obviously, we are working very closely with the MTQ, but they are in a much better position to shed light on the situation since it is their workers who are on site and taking the appropriate decisions concerning the section of the bridge that falls under their jurisdiction.

    Thank you.

  154. Tomasz :

    I have a concerning new “rehabilitated” Chateauguay ramp. Driving in slow traffic I’ve noticed cracks in the asphalt, is this normal?

  155. Mike Currie :

    Info 511 sucks!
    Whats frustrating is the double talk imposed on the users of Mercier Bridge.
    This bridge is in far worse condition than announced.
    South shore commutors need to organize and demand transparency from the gouvernment.
    I am sorry to say that it may be some time before trucks are again allowed to travel the Mercier. Actual lives depend on that decision.
    The transport/trucking industries hardships cannot prevail over public safety.
    The public has endured 2 years of construction related stress. Rebuild this bridge correctly and then invite trucks back, not before.
    Mike C

  156. Orry :

    How many lane after the bridge cons. done.. if its less than 3 lane it wont work, i believe it would be easier and less torture for people if you built a new bridge next to mercier with 4 lane each side .thanks..

  157. julia :

    Just to let you know, I also called 511 today (feb 19th) and the new days/times do not correspond to this site!!

  158. julia :

    Re: Closure of lanes for the next 5 weeks, starting – Feb 12th:
    Tuesday – Thursday: 7pm – 5am
    Friday: 7pm – midnight
    Saturday: midnight – Sunday 9pm
    I first read this in the gazette a week before it started, and confirmed it on this site and wrote it down. You then changed the days and times. You ruin everyone’s day by doing this. Why is it not possible to get it right the first time – one has to keep checking this site/gazette/511?
    This is very frustrating and not very considerate especially to those who don’t live on the South Shore.

  159. cityboy :

    this bridge is costing jobs (THE LOSS OF) in the trucking industry, with all the money collected from photo radar and red light cameras and all the money that will be collected now that they are here to stay,all monies collected should be going to road repair, this is still HWY 138, why the delay in getting this bridge fixed. What are the cost of having the SAAQ, SQ, and MTQ watching the bridge, this expense alone would probably covered the repair of a few FEET ok maybe inches. Please on behalf of all those involved in the transport industry that NEED the Pont Mercier to SURVIVE, please rectify this situation ASAP

  160. Mike C :

    We really needed to be in montreal Saturday and knew of the planned bridge closure so we did leave early. 1 hour and 40 minutes we were on the upramp.
    The bus lane, for some, has become part of the 132 all the way to the 207, then exit, make a uturn, come back up and cut into line. NICE!!Peace keepers watch from the overpass but didnt ticket anybody!

    Most important. I was able to watch the inspectors working and have a better, long look at what we all see as we pass each day. Crumbling cement, rusted out metal and reinforcement rods and overall serious decay. Now it is announced that even tow trucks are included in the vehicule restriction!!
    Now, I am not an engineer but, it seems we are not getting the whole truth concerning the actual integrity of the Mercier Bridge.
    1- No paving can or could be done because of the additional weight the asphalt would place on the structure. Then we add mega tons of cement barriers ??????? Does this seem correct????
    2- Weight restrictions for trucks are implemented. This now includes tow trucks.
    3- Police, SQ and Transport Quebec cars are stationed at every entrance to the bridge. Quite expensive!
    I am of the opinion that the public is not being told just how unsafe the Mercier Bridge REALLY is and that possibly it might be prudent for users and the public in general to demand our own independant inspection.
    I am beginning to believe that the users of Mercier Bridge are being mislead and that the actual condidtion of the bridge is much worse than indicated.
    I have no idea how to implement this idea but, there should be and must be some representitive(s) from the public participating with the MTQ to ensure transparency and that the true condition of the bridge is revealed.
    I am now not believing all I am being told about Mercier Bridge and I definately do not trust the gouvernment to do whats right!!
    Mike C.

  161. André Girard :

    @ Haf B.

    For the moment, no work are planned for this three days, but to be sure we invite you to check again this blog next week or even to call us to be sure. Thank you.

  162. Haf B. :

    I just want to know if the Mercier bridge will have work on february 4th,5th,6th.?

  163. Robert W. :

    Hey Mike C! I am the one who asked about paving the section that was uneven and got the “Bridge Weight problem” response. I was blown away when I saw the cement walls!!!!! i am afraid to pass on the bridge now. How long will this be like this Andre?
    In addition, my vehicle now needs more parts replacement on the front suspension (bridge related)$580.00. This is getting rediculous and we are becoming the joke of Canada. In Vancouver they joke about the Mercier bridge! When will this be over, when will the traffic flow be normal? I am almost convinced the bridge will always have issues even when the roadbed is replaced because of the quickly detiriorating steel structure below? Any comments Andre?

    Robert
    St-Constant

  164. Tomsky :
  165. Mike C :

    What a nightmare!! Regardless of which end of the bridge is serviced by who, it is still 1 bridge! Info 511 has no info and this sight absolves itself because the crumbling lasalle end is not part of its mandate. What a farce! Millions of dollars spent on the south shore end and yet the Montreal side is unsafe!! THE WHOLE BRIDGE IS A MASSIVE DIASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN!! Thousands upon thousands of people have been taken hostage daily by construction, lane closures, crater sized holes and countless other concerns. If its not one end its the other and then the bureacrates point their fingers at each other.
    Several months ago 1 of these agencies commented that paving over the sea of potholes was out of the question because of the additional weight it would add to an already weak structure, now they are adding tons, tons and tons of CEMENT barriers! Do the 2 agencies talk to eachother?
    Mercier bridge has been a long running joke across north america for quite sometime, is it going to become a reason for national mourning before it is completely repaired?

  166. Debbie Hiebert :

    My husband and I both have signed up for TWITTER updates for the bridge. However, we notice that you do not update on a regular basis. For instance, today, my husband left for work at his usual time (starts at 3pm), but ran in to traffic for almost 1 hour because of road work (filling potholes). Why did you not TWITTER about this? At the very least, followers aka users of the Mercier bridge, could have allowed themselves more time or taken an alternate route. As it is, my husband is out almost 1 hour of pay. How else are we supposed to know about work on the bridge? Transports Quebec does not show the northbound side on their cameras, so, we really do rely on this service…a service that is greatly relied on by the public. When it works, it works great…sadly, it is not consistent.

  167. Jmac :

    I recently purchased a new home in Mercier, and I have to say – what a regret. We absolutely love our neighbourhood and our new home, but no one should have to be faced with the situation we are faced with in the morning and evening, to and from work on a daily basis. It is truly OUTRAGEOUS for work to be taking place on this bridge during rush hour traffic. Today, on the radio, they were advising a 1.5 hour delay to the normal commute home, due to the bridge being down to one lane. I can appreciate that the work needs to get done, but the poor decisions as to the timing and lane closures during rush hour is unacceptable. I can’t believe that no one can be held accountable for this!

  168. Mark Christensen :

    So far January 03 and 04 the bridge has been closed down to one lane ! I can’t believe this, its not listed here on the site, or at Quebec511. Is it so hard to report when you are closing the bridge in half during the day.

  169. André Girard :

    @ Al

    I invite you to contact the Ministère des Transports du Québec about the new restriction for truck, because the section of the Bridge, where the guardrails are to be secured, is on Transports Québec jurisdiction. Please contact Québec 511.

  170. Al :

    What is the rule for ‘heavy trucks’? Can a truck that requires a class 5 license still go over? For example 16, 18, or 20 foot trucks?

  171. Fran :

    Thank you Andre for your response. I appreciate it very much. Happy Holidays!

  172. André Girard :

    @ Fran and k

    We would like to inform road users that the inspection work carried out last Friday and the decision to limit access to the bridge for trucks heading to the South Shore stem from the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ). As you can see on this map, the structure of the Mercier Bridge is under both provincial and federal jurisdiction. Within the context of the Honoré-Mercier Bridge rehabilitation project, it has been determined that our Corporation (JCCBI) acts as client, that is to say that we coordinate this significant project. Consequently, we have launched this blog because this project requires much work and as a result numerous obstructions of traffic at different times during the year, according to the contractors’ timelines. It is important to note that aside from this project, the Ministère is still pursuing its activities in the area of the bridge it administers as well as monitoring the conditions of the bridge it is responsible for. We frequently publish press releases we receive from the MTQ to ensure that we take advantage of this blog to inform the population of upcoming closures. However, since we do not control their road interventions, we invite you to contact the MTQ directly to share your comments. These comments will most likely hold more importance since they will be directly addressed to those in charge of the decisions being taken. We invite you to contact Québec 511 for this purpose. Thank you!

  173. André Girard :

    @ Guadalupe A. Macdonald

    The important closures on the Mercier Bridge cannot be done during the week, as the impact on traffic flows would be too significant. The weekends and evenings are the only time when traffic is lighter. Therefore, we try to close the bridge during those two periods. I understand that this has a direct impact on you, but unfortunately we do not have any other choice. Thank you.

  174. André Girard :

    @ Jonathan Jones and Georges Chambers

    We have forwarded your comments to the contractor to ensure the hump does not cause any problems. We will also take precautions to prevent any issues this winter. The situation has been greatly improved, but we want to know if you think it still poses a risk. If the problem persists, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you.

  175. André Girard :

    @ Denise

    As you noted, we are not responsible for public transportation. However, we have forwarded your comments to representatives of the South Shore transportation organisations. I suggest that you contact them directly as well. As the person in charge of the road work on the Honoré Mercier Bridge, I can assure you that the morning traffic is not due to the repair work, since we do not work during rush hour. The problems were caused by the weather only. Thank you for your understanding.

  176. Fran :

    I just heard on the news that the mercier bridge is at risk as the guard rails are unsafe. Transport Quebec fears that this will cause cars or trucks to fall in the St.Lawrence River. I was just wondering why don’t they just close the bridge and repair it once and for all. Why do they have to wait until something horrible happens. It upsets me that they are still keeping this bridge open when it is VERY clear that it is not SAFE.

  177. Denise :

    What is going on with the traffic this month in the morning? As soon as the snow began to fall it takes forever to get out of Chateauguay. I take public transportation. I start my day off waiting for a bus that may or may not even come lately. Or having to endure a 20 minute wait. Even with the bus lanes I am sitting on the bridge forever to cross it. I’ve been late 3 times and had to miss 2 days of work because of all of this. We really need answers and solutions here. I am going to lose my job if this does not stop. If there is so much traffic why can’t citso and the you work together to help us out. Suggest more buses, do something. A lot of us who live here, workers and students are suffering for this. Leaving earlier does not always solve it.

  178. julia :

    Wednesday, December 8th – over 1 1/2 hours to get over the bridge this morning…all the roads were clear, what is the problem here?

    julia

  179. Jonathan Jones :

    M Girard,

    I too have noticed the hump as well as the extra paving that has taken place. The hump is still present. What else will you do to fix the situation? I judge this area will be quite dangerous at first snow-fall

    Regards,
    J. Jones

  180. Guadalupe A. Macdonald :

    Why does the bridge always close on weekends? When I want to go on the island from the south shore, I always have to take another detour and it’s very long! So you guys should calm down and close the bridge during the week!

  181. Georges Chambers :

    Dear Sir,
    Unfortunately, the situation has improved but is not resolved

    Sincerely
    GC

  182. André Girard :

    @ Georges Chambers and David D.

    We would like to advise you that the correction was made to correct the “hump” that was present at the Mercier Bridge exit towards Châteauguay. Remedial paving work took place on Tuesday morning. We thank-you for taking the time to advise us to correct this situation. In regards to the situation at the Turcot Interchange, you can directly communicate with the Ministère des Transports du Québec at Québec 511.

    Once again, thank-you.

  183. David D. :

    Hello,

    I must say that George is right about that Hump. There is indeed a significant leveling difference in the right hand lane Chat. bound coming from the bridge. The Hump is more visible now that there are burnt rubber marks from tires now over it. IT is significant enough to make the right side of your car jump up when u drive over it.

    There is actually the exact same problem on the MTL bound CHAT. ramp also in the right lane but this Hump is far less significant.

    It’s just upsetting to not drive over something that should be PERFECTION since both ramps were just REPLACED. Should be LEVEL and smooth as GLASS wouldn’t you say?
    There shouldn’t be such a significant difference between the height of the ramp and the embankment/ground once the ramp ends.
    That’s all.

    Lastly on the same topic, there is a VERY significant Hump which is actually much worse than this one the moment you hit the end of the ramp from 20 East to 15 North in the turcott interchange. This one is so bad that the car jumps quite significantly, this can’t be good at all for your tires, suspension or wheel allignment. IF Possible, can you please forward this to the MTQ?, who is responsible for this section.

    Thank you very much.
    Much appreciated.

  184. Georges Chambers :

    Hello Sir,

    You still have not addressed the large hump at the end of the southbound ramp toward Chateauguay.

    We as citizens value your input
    Georges

  185. Edmund Gleason :

    My trip to Chateauguay this weekend will be leaving at 8AM, and returning the next day at 8AM. Not much choice.

  186. Lili :

    Thank you for the info but the M.T.Q. should handle this better. The barriers are really a big problem.

  187. André Girard :

    @ Lili

    The management of traffic barriers on the Mercier Bridge is handled by the Ministère des Transports du Québec. The problem that occurred this morning was in no way related to bridge repairs. We have published the Ministère’s explanation on this blog, and I invite you to read that post by clicking here. Thank-you.

  188. André Girard :

    @ Arthur

    No, there’s no link between this closure and the work done on the Mercier Bridge. Thank you.

  189. Lili :

    ONCE AGAIN… THE GOD DAMN BARRIERS. 1 1/2 HOUR TO GET DOWNTOWN. IT HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES. THEY ARE TOTALLY USELESS. LIFT THEM AT MIDNIGHT… UNACCEPTABLE!!!

  190. Arthur :

    On the morning of Wednesday October 13 I sat at the entrance to the Kanawakee Reservation on Rte 207 from 6:05 to 6:25AM. Is this related to the construction?

  191. kevin :

    Why is the Builders Not fined a huge fine for not having the job completed on time like they do in other provinces or states. As long as the contractors keep getting away with delays the people pay for those delays. Yet No one seems to care.
    This morning on the mercier the repavers were 45 mins behind Schedule. Which cause everything to back up for hours.
    PS: Leavin early is not an Answer i leave 3 hours before work and that has to do with this bridge always being under contructions for the last 20 years I have live in Chateauguay. When is all this Disaster going to end????
    i know i speak for a lot of people saying the Chateauguay valley is slowing become a place to avoid like the gastro. More money we flush into it the more is wasted down the drain.

  192. Blanca Isidro :

    Why close the bridge this Thanksgiving weekend when a lot of people have to visit their families.??

  193. André Girard :

    @ Julia Dallaire

    This work cannot finish earlier as it must take place during a certain time period and, therefore, we cannot start any earlier in the evening. Moreover, southbound traffic is lighter in the morning as compared to that towards Montreal. Never will something similar occur towards Montreal, but looking at the southbound traffic numbers, we were able to realize this closure. If it wasn’t due to the importance of such work, we would have avoided this closure, but in this context this schedule was optimal.

  194. André Girard :

    @ Andrew Clark

    This idea has been study, but for the moment, it’s seems difficult to install such a camera on the South Shore side (Kahnawake). Thank you for the suggestion. We will keep it in mind.

  195. André Girard :

    @ Dan

    The Ministère des Transports du Québec is responsible for the traffic light on the Bridge. It is a really delicate operation and a lot of efforts are put in place to make sure the traffic stay equal between the two sides. We will keep in mind your suggestion and transfer it to the MTQ. Thank you.

  196. André Girard :

    @ KC

    It’s a major work site that we have to finish before winter and with the weather that is coming, it’s really a tied scheduled that we have. Thank you for your understanding.

  197. André Girard :

    @ Corinna

    We can send you an electronic version of the billboards that you can print, if it’s alright with you. Or we can sent you an admail that we have create. Thank you.

  198. Dan :

    This morning I left at 6:05 and the traffic was already to Chateauguay. I had time to calculate how many cars should pass the bridge on one lane, at 70km/h ( normal speed when there is no traffic) : 4 cars per second.
    How many cars are passing in the morning at the traffic light? probably one car every 2 seconds.
    Who is responsible for the traffic light on the bridge? I was thinking that if you leave one side running for 5 minutes a lot of traffic will just flow, and then you change for the other side. Like this you don’t have a lot of stop/go and you speed up..

  199. julia dallaire :

    For the life of me I can’t comprehend why the recent work being done during the week mornings, is not finished by rush hour. This is really outrageous for those who need to get to work on time. Leave earlier you say, well everyone does so it doesn’t make any difference – I would appreciate a reply on this website as to why the work can’t be done before rush hour starts – give us a break here!
    Some facts that I would like to share – in Japan all road work etc. is done at night, all work is finished by morning!

  200. Dan :

    Hi!
    In the last month the traffic is TERRIBLE. Why don’t you try to do something? (increase/decrease the time at the traffic light on the bridge to see if affects the waiting time; find another method to make the traffic more fluent…)

  201. KC :

    Why are you closinfg the bridge on the last long weekend oh the year before the winter.. Many people celebrate Thanksgiving….this will cause major tie-ups as everyone will try to get to their destinations earlier…. I wish you would consider all of us who live on the south shore at least for this coming weekend. Could you not leave the 2 spans opened during the daytime?

  202. Corinna :

    I love those billboards you have along the route over the bridge. I have been travelling that bridge all my life, and would love to know if a “poster” version of that drawing/photo/print? thank-your for letting me know.

  203. Edmund Gleason :

    The Mercier bridge is hurting my relationship. My Girlfriend lives in chateauguay, me in the West island. She needs to live there to raise her 2 kids, so can`t live with me, and every week i go there and it creates allot of strain negotiating my way through endless closures and detours. WHEN WILL IT STOP? If anyone has a helicopter for sale,please metion a way I can contact you.

  204. Andrew Clark :

    It would be nice if transport quebec would install a LIVE webcam from the kahnawake side, like a birds eye view from the kahnawake circle or from the rooftop of the bingo hall. This way whenever drivers need to go to montreal on the weekend, we could see how backed up traffic is and take other routes if necessary. Right now the only webcam they have shows us traffic coming off the bridge into montreal. From my experience that’s always flowing nicely for the most part.

  205. André Girard :

    @ Sam

    Yes of course.

  206. Jacky :

    Hi,
    I just move in Chateauguay this July, and stuck in the traffic every morning, it took me at least 1h15 if I leave from home at 6h10AM to downtown of Montreal. I would like to ask is there’s any train that go straight to Montreal? or something in project? Otherwise I have to leave Chateauguay then.
    Regards,

  207. julia dallaire :

    I think a sign posted in and out of chateauguay stating closure of lanes, would be useful – not everyone reads Le Soleil, listens to the news or views this website on a regular basis. Thanks.

  208. Douglas Jack :

    I’ve seen the pictures of the new secure pedestrian-cycling path across the bridge. Thank-you for making this possible! This summer the sidewalk has been closed to pedestrian and cyclist access, so I haven’t had a way to cross to Kahnawake. Considering that cyclist-pedestrian access only requires less than a meter side to side of space, I suggest that this part of the population / work-force could have been better accommodated. Most of the bridge’s sidewalk length was empty and only small walking sections needed to be planned for / accommodated. I hope in the future those of us who don’t use polluting transport can be better accommodated and we in turn can bring more people to this approach and less wear to the infrastructure. Do you need pedestrian-cyclist inputs into bridge repair and planning processes? I or others in this category will be glad to contribute.

  209. Georges Chambers :

    Hello Sir,

    I would like to inform you that on the southbound ramp to Chateauguay, in the right-hand lane, there is a hump where the bridge ends and the road begins on land. It is right at the end of the curve of the newly renovated portion of the bridge.

    Is this portion going to be modified in the near future? The hump is primarily on the right side, thereby risking flipping over a truck if it is not properly balanced. Even cars risk losing control at this section because of this hump.

    Your input is greatly appreciated.

    Regards,
    Georges Chambers

  210. Robert W. :

    Mr.Girard,
    Congratulations on the early completion of the latest stage. I heard one month early! Wow! Hats off to the teams and local natives assisiting. Does this mean the awfull condition of the southbound lanes and the resurfacing is moved up a month?
    At the beginning of the project an video was released showing the plan for the first stage of the reconstruction. Since then there has been no more video’s showing the different stages to include the road reconfigurations planned…why? This would help everyone understand the plan and prepare for the disruptions. An updated timeline for the full construction stages would also be comforting.

    Please respond.

  211. Giovanni :

    Regarding the repaving of the south bound lanes on the Montreal side of the bridge – is my understanding that the paving will only be done in spring of 2011, in my opinion this is to long to wait. This would mean that we would have to drive during the winter months and have to worry about the road conditions mention in my post of October 28th, 2009. As it stands now the existing road condition is directly responsible for the traffic problems we experience during the evening rush hour – because everyone slows down to avoid damaging their vehicles. It is obvious that the conditions are serious as I noticed that the speed limit is reduced to 50 kph. The same conditions are starting to appear on the inbound lines to Montreal but yet not as severe. I know that everyone would agree that we would feel safer if the south bound lanes would be repaved sooner.

  212. sam :

    are buses permitted to travel on pont mercier?

  213. Adrian :

    Who authorized the installation of the Mohawk flags on the super structure of the Mercier bridge that happened recently ? (2 – 4 weeks ago)

    These flags are NOT mounted securely and are a hazard and a clear danger to cars that pass on the bridge everyday.

    Please advise who is responsible for this decision and where i can make a formal complaint about it.

    Thank you,

    Adrian

  214. André Girard :

    @ Martha and Dean

    No closures are scheduled for this weekend (August 27-28-29) on the Mercier Bridge. Thank you.

  215. Dean :

    Hi, there:

    I don’t see any notice of work scheduled for the weekend of August 27-28-29 on your web page; seeing that it’s Thursday, August 28, and the weekend is only one day away,it would be nice to see something of this nature posted so that South Shore residents could make appropriate plans. Many thanks.

    Dean

  216. Martha :

    Are lane closures scheduled for the weekend of Aug 28th 2010?
    Thank you

  217. André Girard :

    @ Jacynthe L. Fetzer

    There’s no closure planned for the weekend on the Mercier Bridge. Considering the major work taking place on the Champlain Bridge, the Mercier Bridge is an excellent option to use. Thank-you.

  218. Jacynthe L. Fetzer :

    Is there lane closures on Saturday August 21, 2010?
    Thank you

  219. Cindy :

    I have to echo Mr. Gleason’s comment from July about the merging lane on the approach to the bridge from Chateauguay to Montreal.

    Why isn’t the left-hand lane closed off with pylons or something? It is beyond irritating to be in the right lane (right hand side), and have jackasses try and jump the line and squeeze in near the on-ramp.

    PKs can’t be everywhere, I know, but they’d make a mint nailing those people!

    Are there any options?

  220. André Girard :

    @ Jay

    The onramp from LaPrairie will be kept like it is, after the rehabilitation of its deck. Like you mentionned, this rehabilitation project is to replace the deck of the structure, but the bridge will not be widened after our work. On the south shoure side, that kind of project could have been possible, but on the LaSalle side there’s no place to widen the bridge. Thank you.

  221. André Girard :

    @ Michel Young

    The Châteauguay bound will be repaved in our second Contract that will start in Spring 2011. After this two years contract (2011 and 2012), all the Châteauguay bound deck will be replaced by new prefabricated deck panels. Thank you.

  222. Jay :

    Will the onramp from the south shore 132 be expanded to two full lanes rather than the current 1 lane merge?

    I suppose that if the bridge isn’t widened this won’t happen. A shame because this is a bottleneck that could use improvement.

  223. victor mack :

    i would like to know in 1963 the second bridge was built what year was the newer bridge opened

  224. Michael Young :

    Can you please notify us when the Chateauguay Bound surface will be repaved? I drive over the bridge everyday and find that the road is getting bumpier everyday! Second Request!

  225. Michael Young :

    When will the Chateauguay bound surface be repaved? Everyday when I drive over it seems the surface is getting rougher and bumpier.

  226. Bill A :

    I would like to know the measurements of the pre-fabricated cement forms being used on the bridge.

  227. Dino :

    I have been travelling the Mercier Bridge for about 30 years and never have I been so concerned about its safety until recently. Chunks of pavement dissappearing, rust and broken cement and God knows what we don’t see or hear about…a disaster in the making…I hope to hell someone takes responsibility about the mess before we lose a carload of human life let alone the fact that it’s the most unpleasent ride of any bridge I have ever driven….anywhere!

  228. André Girard :

    @ Mary Pawsey

    Well, it’s the opposite. We will have an important closure on Mercier Bridge for that weekend (consult our post) and we should not have important work on Champlain Bridge on that same weekend. We scheduled some really important work on the Champlain Bridge between August 6 to September 20, but nothing on August 1.

  229. Mary Pawsey :

    We plan going to the easterm townships from Hawkesbury on August 1, 2010. Understand there are delays re the Champlain bridge, how about the Mercier Bridge?

  230. Edmund Gleason :

    I apoligize for bringing down the positive vibes but this weekend was no picnic if you were going from Chateauguay to Montreal via the Mercier. No one ever monitors the lane that merges, so if you are in the correct lane from the beginning you are forced to deal with a long lane beside you determined to jump the line which drags down the whole lane, it should be get into the correct lane from the start, and then the process would run much smoother. I figured I would leave late, 8 PM to avoid this nonsense , and I should be thankfull it took an hour to go from Chateaugua to DDO, as opposed to some 2 and a half hour nightmares I have been forced to suffer through, mostly DDO to Chateauguay.Didn`t see any work being done of course, Sunday Night.

  231. Catherine :

    Re: Robert Weiss (St-Constant)June 14th, 2010:
    “…I must tip my hat to you for the latest 138 offramp reconfiguration.…Congrats to the engineers involved!”
    I justy love it! Hairpin and chicanes – I get to do a mini F1 every night on my way home! I can’t say that I’ve ever looked forward to a reconfiguaration – until now!

  232. Cyrus :

    @Paul

    I am just a regular driver on the bridge and I can honestly say that I don’t care about the graffiti.

    There are some serious things that need to be addressed (making sure the bridge doesn’t fall into the water, and also the seriously bad pavement mentioned by everyone else) way before that. And probably if they painted over it the graffiti would come back anyway…

  233. Mike :

    After being critical and vocal of phase 1 and the detour road, heavy truck traffic, long delays etc, I must congradulate those involved in the design and implementation of the phase 2 detour road and THE DESIGNATION OF TRUCKS TO PROCEED TO HIGHWAY 30. BRAVO!!
    Delays are livable, if any at all.
    It would be even better if the right lane heading to the 30 was a designated truck lane.
    All in all, this is much better than the first phase.

  234. Paul :

    Lets get back to the graffiti.
    I find it unbelievable that this horrible eyesore has been left and not painted out during this phase of construction.Are we supposed to look at this mess until someone gets around to repainting the support structure years from now. What poor planning.Why not repaint while the scaffolding for the initial work is still installed instead of paying out more money to reinstall and paint.
    Will this happen for all the phases? The whole bridge will be a gigantic mess.Is anyone thinking of this? Does anyone care?

  235. Dale Osmond :

    I just want to congratulate you on a job well done. There are no delays and we are home promptly every evening.

    Good job!

  236. Robert Weiss (St-Constant) :

    André,
    1- I am not convinced that the extreamly bumpy road surface southbound before the superstucture cannot be addressed. I have once again replaced $925 of parts on the front end of my 3 1/2 year old car. Joints and arms that should last 6 to 7 years. There must be something that can be done prior to next spring (phase 2 (Contract B)? Scrape 1″ off the top (reducing weight) and lay 1″ temporary layer of pavement?
    2-I agree with the comment to list these questions and responses in the opposite order (Oldest at the bottom/ newest at the top). It just makes more sense for all of us posting and reading.
    3-Of all the complaining you get I must tip my hat to you for the latest 138 offramp reconfiguration. I thought it would be a disaster but it seems to work just fine…Congrats to the engineers involved!

  237. Tom :

    It would very nice if the left lane of highway 132 to Lapraire would a NO TRUCK.

  238. DebLynnBliss :

    I think the detour road is very impressive….good job, equally as good as last years detour road. Brilliant engineering feat…whoever designed that should be responsible for ALL traffic construction sites in Quebec. Someone knows what they are doing!!! The only glitch I saw was the last little stretch where 2 lanes kind of vanished and it turned into a one lane free for all, but now I see the lines are painted and all is good.
    Thankyou for all the good work and this informative web site.

  239. Lynn Buttle :

    Can you please tell me why the chateauguay ramp going into montreal always has a green light and the laprarie ramp into montreal gets a red light and when it turns green, it’s only for about 1 minute? This i find not fair.

  240. Edmund Gleason :

    I was worried my Sunday afternnon Mercier experience would be a difficult one, but it was fine. I much prefer the option of spending 15 more minutes weaving through the detours than no detours and 1 skinny lane where everyone tries to leap frog the other by going to the front and squeezing in which can be a 90 minute nightmare,so please keep it the way ti is and i will not complain.

  241. Ron :

    Congratulations! The first day of the closure of the Chateauguay ramp went pretty smoothly.
    I think that if the media wouldn’t have been there, it would have been even better as it seems that
    traffic was slowing down to look at them.
    The only thing is that, like last year, you have to make lines on the pavement to show drivers where
    to go. When we are under the bridge, most people were driving right in the middle of the street.
    It helped a lot last year.
    Thank you

  242. Mike :

    I believe that 4 months is a very short timeline. From what we saw last year, the time estimate could easily double. With 1 work shift, not working weekends or evenings and holidays, sometimes we pass and NOBODY is working on or under the bridge!!!
    This huge project should be running 7 days a week, 2 shifts every day that close down before midnight!! GET IT DONE!
    During the first phase of reconstruction, I strongly recommended that trucks be restricted from Mercier bridge during the morning rush.
    Again I appeal to common sense that trucks be restricted during the evening rush hour(4-6pm)to lighten volume and to enhance the flow of traffic to the south shore.
    Will this suggestion be dismissed as the previous one simply to accomondate the transport industry? Or will the residents of our south shore communities really become the priority, not just with wording….but actual action?
    Good Luck and Happy Motoring!

  243. Ron Moroney :

    Can the Job be accelerated this year. Last year the other ramp took forever to finish.
    Putting extra shifts when we have more daylight would speed up the process

  244. Gus :

    Will the Mercier bridge & the exit La Prairie be open this Saturday,?

  245. André Girard :

    @ Edmund Gleason

    The detour road that we are planning will have a two lanes wide access to Châteauguay. You can have a look at our global map or our technical plan that show the U-turn. The off ramp to La Prairie will be divide by three at the bottom of the Bridge, two lanes to Châteauguay and one in La Prairie direction. Thank you.

  246. André Girard :

    @ Tom

    You are right those barriers should have been raise to reduce the impact on traffic. We will make sure that this situation won’t happen again in our futur closing on Ramp 2 (La Prairie). Sorry for the inconvenience.

  247. André Girard :

    @ Will

    We will look a this suggestion. Thank you.

  248. André Girard :

    @ Brian

    We decided to change our first plan because our method provides a number of advantages:

    • Allows for user-traffic at all times
    • Minimizes the risk of having to close the ramp during the day in the case of a construction problem compromising the daily opening of the ramp at rush hour
    • Allows to accelerate the construction work
    • Reduces the nuisance period for users by several months
    • Eliminates the most important detour on Highway 30 outside rush hours for users
    • Avoids daily opening and closing of lanes
    • Reduces the inconvenient of night-time construction noise for the Kahnawake community

    This change doesn’t affect the fact that we will use pre-fabricated deck panels to complete our work in an efficient way.

  249. André Girard :

    @ Jim Pavone

    The cleaning and painting of the Mercier Bridge structural steel will continue beyond the completion of the replacement of his deck (which includes reinforcing the steel structure). This program will be completed over a number of years starting in 2013-2014. It will be more efficient to complete this program after completing the replacement of the deck. Right now, we want to concentrate all the contractor’s efforts on the actual repairs to the bridge.

    The first phase of the rehabilitation project of the Mercier Bridge should end in 2011. The second phase, starting in 2011, will continue untill 2013-2014. Thank you.

  250. Jim Pavone :

    The amount of graffiti that we can see while going up the ramp on the 132 side is terrible!! When will this eye sore be removed, and what is the anticipated completion date for the entire project?

  251. Edmund Gleason :

    I suggest that it is much easier to use a detour going to Chateauguay as opposed to making it a 1 lane in each direction scenario. If those in charge are interested in reducing the aggravation of those going to Chateauguay hopefully this will influence their decisions.

  252. Brian :

    Your explanatory video shows that the Chateauguay off-ramp was only supposed to be closed at night and open during the day as the new sections would be installed as soon as the old pieces were removed.

    Why is this ramp now going to be closed all summer? Doesn’t this completely defeat the purpose of the pre-fabricated deck method?

  253. Will :

    Perhaps your webmaster could arrange the questions area so thet the new questions and responses appear at the top so users do not have to scroll down to the bottom

  254. Karen :

    What are the construction plans for Saturday June 12th? At least fifty people are coming to the Chateauguay area for an event. I am needing to know this information in order to make the necessary arrangements.

  255. Tom :

    The last weekend I crossed the bridge from the direction of Chateauguay, there was a closure of the ramp from St-Constant. This caused a 30 minute wait to access the bridge. Why do they not raise the barriers on the outer lane of the ramp for this situation? This would help with the flow of traffic.

  256. André Girard :

    @ Sabrina

    For the moment, they are no closings planned for next weekend and I am pretty sure it will stay like that. However, sometimes closings are only planned a few days before the closing date. I invite you to follow this blog to be sure.

  257. André Girard :

    @ France Kairns

    For the moment, they are no closings planned for that weekend. However, sometimes closings are only planned a few days before the closing date. I invite you to follow this blog for the next weeks to be sure. For example, our next major closing is to occur very soon and will necessitate the complete closing of ramp 3 (off ramp to Châteauguay). Users will have to use a detour route, but the traffic won’t be affected too much on weekend.

  258. André Girard :

    @ Egon Hummel

    Work has begun again on the Mercier Bridge since the return of good weather. Currently, we are undertaking a number of different repairs to the steel structure of the bridge. Luckily, this work is not necessitating lane closings. To get a better sense of the work, you can consult the posting at “It’s happening under the Mercier Bridge

    Phase A of the work will continue until 2011, that is repair of the three access ramps on the Kahnawake side of the bridge.

    The second contract (Phase B) is slated to begin in spring 2011. We will have a better idea of the Phase B schedule after the contract has been granted. The work was not expected in 2010. From the outset, 2011 was the target for the first phase (Phase A). We avoided making projections on the second phase, as the contract had not been granted.

  259. André Girard :

    @ Deborah

    Regarding the presence of trucks on the Mercier Bridge, it is very difficult to limit them on the bridge during rush hours. The detour via the Champlain Bridge is longer, and we would only be creating more congestion on another important roadway by sending trucks over the Champlain Bridge. This provision would not solve the overall problem of congestion on the road network.

    Completion of Highway 30 should contribute significantly to improving the situation on the Mercier Bridge. For now, limiting trucks on the Mercier Bridge would have a significant impact on the other South Shore crossings and is not a viable solution.

  260. André Girard :

    @ Carl and Paul P.

    The cleaning and painting of the Mercier Bridge structural steel will continue beyond the completion of the rehabilitation project (which includes reinforcing the steel structure). This program will be completed over a number of years starting in 2013-2014.

    It will be more efficient to complete this program after completing the replacement of the deck. Right now, we want to concentrate all the contractor’s efforts on the actual repairs to the bridge. Thanks.

  261. sabrina :

    just want to know if the bridge will be closed for the week end of the 22nd of may………my sons birthday in lasalle and want to know what to tell people coming,like me, from chateauguay

  262. Egon Hummel :

    Mr.Girard: We know that ONE ramp was finally completed last last year. According to all the promises made,the entire Pont Mercier Ramps & main spans are supposed to be fitted with NEW Decks ,and that job is supposed to be completed by December 2010. We see no real further work being done of any significance,and at this rate it may take 5 years to complete that work. What is the explanation or excuse for that ?
    Thank you et merci beaucoup.

  263. Deborah :

    The traffic from the 132 toward Montreal has been slow for the past two weeks. With the continued construction planned for this summer I would like to know why trucks are not being restricted during rush hour? This would truly help the daily commuters.

  264. Frances Kairns :

    Can you tell me if tehre are any works planned for the weekend iof May 29th, as my daughter is getting Married that day, in Chateauguay, but we would like to advise the guests who will be using the bridge, whether they will need to make alternative arrangements or allow more time in case of traffic.

  265. Carl :

    I noticed a lot of graffiti on the underside of the bridge structure while driving on the ramp leading from St-Constant to LaSalle. There is also a lot of rust. Will these problems be addressed during the bridge rehabilitation? Thank you.

  266. André Girard :

    Roadwork in Sector B-2 (MTQ bridge upstream to the South Shore) is not scheduled until next spring and the second phase (Contract B) of rehabilitative construction of the Mercier Bridge. After conducting research, we are told that it would be neither possible nor safe to pave over the concrete slabs in this sector because of the additional weight that would represent.

    First the slabs would need to be scored before the asphalt could be laid. This significant investment would only be temporary and would be difficult to justify, given the full replacement of the bridge apron that would begin in a few months.

    We are also told that MBC, the contractor, is currently working below the apron in this sector (Sector B-2) and effecting work above where they are working would create further safety and security issues.

    We wish to thank users for their patience regarding condition of the road in the sector. The Napierville Service Centre of the MTQ will ensure regular maintenance prior to the beginning of work on Contract B.

    Thank you.

  267. Edmund Gleason :

    If by southbound lanes of the Mercier Bridge you mean the section full of patches I can concur. I just had to buy a new car, 1 of the reasons are my shocks are totally ruined because I take the bridge once a week.

  268. Joel :

    Mr. Girard,
    Are there any plans to TEMPORARILY re-pave the southbound lanes of the Mercier Bridge? The current state of these lanes, from the Airlie on-ramp to the start of the 2nd super structure, are simply put, DISGRACEFUL. I realize that there is a lot of work currently taking place as part of Phase 1 and the section in question is ultimately part of Phase 2 however anyone who drives this stretch of road on a daily basis will tell you that Transport Quebec clearly has no respect for the Mercier Bridge users (taxpayers, I might add).
    I re-located to the South Shore 2½ years ago and I am appalled at the lack of attention shown to this very basic problem. Is there anyone that you or I can speak with to address this issue?
    Many of my fellow citizens would certainly agree that their vehicles have taken a beating and they have had to absorb some sort of financial burden due to vehicle repairs or replacement.
    Is it really too much to ask that this issue be addressed, perhaps outside the scope of the existing project?

  269. André Girard :

    @ Prrollt
    The rehabilitation of the off-ramp to Châteauguay will begin this Spring, but we don’t have a specific date wet. We should present more precisely this part of the project soon. Just for your information, this work will be part of the first phase. The second phase will consist of the rehabilitation of the section of the bridge spanning the river (Sector B2). Thank you.

  270. André Girard :

    @ Robert Weiss
    All the deck of this section of the Bridge will be change in phase 2 (Contract B) with concrete new deck panels. But by the time the work will start maybe the MTQ (Ministère des Transports du Québec) have scheduled some pavement work. We are going to check with them and I will come back with the information. Thank you.

  271. Prrollt :

    Mr. Girard,

    When is Phase Two supposed to begin this Spring and how long should it normally last?

    Is Phase Two still the Southbound ramp going tooward Chateauguay?

    Thank you!

  272. Robert Weiss (St-Constant) :

    Andre,
    Are there plans to recoat the southbound lanes leading up to the superstructure? The pavement is terribly uneven and cars are taking a beating not to mention the danger to motorcylists now that summer is around the corner. Stopping on uneven pavement is extreamly difficult on dry pavement, not to mention near impossible on wet. What are the immediate plans to help this situation Andre?
    Concerned for safety…
    Bob (St-Constant)

  273. Robert Weiss (St-Constant) :

    Hello Andre,
    I have been using the Mercier Bridge for 9 years now and find it’s continuing deterioration alarming. I have recently replaced most of the major front suspension parts on my 3 year old car which have worn out 3 to 4 years premature! This is directly related to the roadbed condition on the southbound on-ramp to the superstructure. The uneven surface is not only extremely dangerous but also causes increased breakdowns on the bridge due to mechanical stresses on the cars crossing it. We all pay high taxes for our Quebec road network maintenance and I see no reason why this section cannot have a temporary even topcoat of paving applied until the final bed replacement is executed and completed.
    In addition to this uneven surface issue I feel the public safety continues to be at greater risk every day any truck or vehicles with more than 2 axles are allowed to pass on the bridge. A month ago there was a 12” hole that was discovered in the roadbed offering a clear view of the water below? Again today on the news there were photos of a LARGE crack in one of the cement posts supporting the structure with huge chunks of cement on the ground indicating continuing structural decay! Stop the trucks today!
    Please do not wait until another fatal accident happens to take responsible decisions and make moves for the safety of the public.
    Bob (St-Constant)

  274. André Girard :

    @ Wayne Franks

    The construction of an anti-climb fence on Mercier Bridge is planned in order to avoid unfortunate incidents such as yours and to prevent them from happening again on the bridge.

    The efficiency of an anti-climb fence has been demonstrated in the past. This fence will be similar to the one installed on Jacques-Cartier bridge at the end of 2005 and will be completed at the end of the bridge’s repair work.

  275. André Girard :

    @ Michael

    All the posts are chosen to be posted by a moderator. For more details, you can consult our Editorial policy.

  276. Michael :

    Are these posts chosen to be posted or not by a moderator.

  277. Wayne Franks :

    We lost our son Lanny Jan 8, 2008 when he leaped from the Mercier Bridge. Since then, there has been no attempt either to close the walkway or place barriers or nets beneath the structure to dissuade others from taking their lives, or losing their lives through misadventure. It may be too late for our family, but when would we expect such measures to take effect?

  278. André Girard :

    @ David D.

    This is preliminary works (temporary concrete column) in preparation of the Monette Bridge reconstruction. Thank you.

  279. André Girard :

    @ Don Thompson

    Good day,
    The 4.1 meter height restriction is still in effect. The over height truck (> 4.1m) shall use detour road to get the ramp 4 or the Champlain Bridge.

  280. Don Thompson :

    Can you please tell me if the 4.1 meter height restriction is still in effect and do truckers need to use Champlain bridge?

  281. Lili :

    At the 138, can the barriers be lifted earlier in the morning so that if there is an electrical problem like this morning, there is more time to fix it before rush hour. It happened twice within a week. But this morning it took 45 minutes to reach the bridge. I find it unacceptable. The barriers are useless anyways. Thank you.

  282. David D. :

    Hi Andre, I have a question concerning work presently being done on the lasalle side of the mercier bridge on Lasalle Blvd. under the 2 spans. Today I observed the erection of a support column approximately 1-2 meters two the EAST side (downstream side) of the Upstream span (Chateauguay bound span) IE the old bridge. What exactly is being done here? It seems to be something quite important or serious otherwise I don’t see what the rush is now in December. Will there be some sort of parallel temporary span in this area by next year due to the extremely poor condition of this portion of the bridge? OR is it some sort of extra support column to be placed UNDER the current old span for extra support? I’m asking because I’m curious and I don’t see why it would be made out of concrete if it was to be placed under the current structure, and not use steel beams or something as added support like what has been done everywhere else. OR is this perhaps in preparation of the demolition/replacement of the structure between Airlie and the beginning of the bridge span itself?? Requiring that a temporary and/or new section be built several meters to the east of the current one? Looking forward to a response, Thanks!

  283. André Girard :

    @ Eugene

    Thank you for your comment. We checked it right away today and everything is under control. The situation does not represent any danger for the users.

  284. eugene :

    To advise a possible security issue, on the 1st super structure at the joining of the 2 sections heading INTO Montreal on the left side lane, the Metal plate has come loose and you can acutally see it it is no longer attached to where it should be. I first a loud metal bang yesterday, i was beside a truck and it drove right over that section, and to day i noticed that something is indded wrong,, please check it out

  285. prrollt :

    Tomorrow is December 1st, will the upramp be open to traffic?

    If not, what’s the reason this time?

  286. Norman Kairns :

    Do we have a date as to when the Chateauguay upramp to the bridge will be reopened?

  287. André Girard :

    @ Laurent

    You’re right, to ensure completion of the work on schedule (closing and opening of lanes), the contract provides for penalties of $3,000 per block of 10 minutes for non-compliance with the lane closing or opening schedules on any bridge.

    The contract also provides for penalties (liquidated damages) of up to $505,000 in the event that work is not completed on time. The contract also includes performance bonuses of up to $500,000.

  288. Laurent :

    I noticed there were no workers there this morning as well.

    André, I read somewhere on this site that the work contracts contained penalties for the contractors if the work is late. Is this correct?

  289. prrollt :

    Well, well, well, today was by ar the most beautiful day of Fall 2009. Now, did anyone see anyone working on the bridge? NO!!!
    Why should they? Because they’re behind schedule? NO!!!!
    Check out the number of workers during the week, there are hardly any Whys hould they work on a Sunday anymore?
    This is pathetic.
    It’s pretty obvious who rules!!!

  290. Edmund Gleason :

    While sitting in heavy traffic and winding through endless detours this past weekend, coming and going to Chateauguay, it dawned on me to in quire about somehow sourcing out a helicopter ride.Can anyone recommend a good company, and perhaps we could copter pool?

  291. Mike :

    I understand what is being said about any disparity between the lights on both sides of the on ramp but, lets get to the REAL issue. TRUCKS!!!!! This is the real problem why traffic flow is impeded.
    If the bridge authority was truly concerned about rush hour traffic and the CITIZENS it affects they would BAN TRUCK ACCESS between 6 and 8am.
    We are being told that 2 little hours out of 24 would cause turmoil to the transport industry…..gimme a break!!
    Infrequently we get eloquent answers and updates, always the same tone, and a thank you for our patience.
    This major renovation has been far from ideal for anyone.
    Traffic flow is the problem and this problem is caused by TRUCKS…..
    Urban planning 101 explains this clearly.
    With more work coming to Mercier Bridge one can only hope that someone will have the foresight and courage to RESTRICT ACCESS TO TRUCKS BETWEEN 6 AND 8AM and allow the tax paying commuters to really be the priority.

    It may also be of interest to inform our newly elected Mayors of our discontent and have them pressure the powers that be into implementing this 2 bloody hour TRUCK RESTRICTION.
    Leave the light guy alone and start counting trucks, wake up and get in the game people.

  292. prrollt :

    We did this everyday this past week: we’re two cars leaving the corner of St-Jean-Baptiste and D’anjou at the same time, one going on the 138 directly toward the bridge, the other car going the opposite way and detours to hihway 30 all the way to St-Constant and then takes the 132 to the bridge.

    Explain to me how each day the second car got on the bridge while I in the first car under it despite me taking the direct route.

    Where’s the fairness?

  293. Barry :

    Easy Linda!

  294. Jean :

    Mr. Girard,

    Firstly, We understand that sometimes the completion of a project of this magnitude (Châteauguay onramp (Ramp 4) can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. But what I do not understand is when the work started last June, there was only one shift of work ending at 3:00 pm Monday to Friday!!
    In project management you always account for these unforeseen circumstances and you keep a buffer just in case…It seems that this was not the case…Adding a second shift in the summer time would have been an excellent thing to do to accelerate the work on the bridge and get the work done by the beginning September!!!
    I spent many years in the US and it surprises me how fast the work on bridges and highways gets done contrary to what we have here in Québec!!! Now I am confident that comes end of November and there will be another extension!! This is the way it is in Québec! and it seems we got used to it…

    Secondly, I am not able to comprehend or understand why the 138 light gets half the time the 132 users are getting!!! I suggest that you take a ride from Châteauguay anytime between 6:30 and 8:30 am and set your watch to see what we are talking about!!
    Please work on this problem!!! It is something within your jurisdiction…and can be fixed instantly.

    Thirdly, what Giovanni mentioned in a previous post concerning paving the Montreal side to the first superstructure makes sense to all of us!! Please look into repaving this section as the winter is coming and it will be a mess if this is not done by then!!! Again take a ride and you will see that once you reach this side you cannot accelerate beyond 30 KM!! because of the potholes…Why wait till someone gets hurt from a car accident before we repave it!!! In fact if you look at Y tube you will find many videos showing how BAD this section of the bridge is..

    Fourthly, the trucks…everywhere in the world when you have work done on a bridge you divert the trucks to another rout…why don’t you prevent trucks from crossing the bridge in rush hours at a minimum…

    We thank you for all of your efforts but we believe that more can be done….It is a daily suffering to have to lose a 45 to 55 minutes in the morning just to cross the bridge!

  295. Lili :

    I am so dissapointed by the additional 4-5 weeks of closure. I know we have no choice here but a bit more time must be added to the green lights for the 138 users. It takes us much longer than the 132 users to reach the bottom of the bridge. No offense 132ers but it is a fact. Also, is there a tow truck not too far in case we get a stall again like one morning this week. Please people put enough gas in your cars or keep it in good condition; I can speak for a lot of users and we cannot take anymore delays… it is bad enough without us causing additional problems. Tks

  296. André Girard :

    @ Linda, Mike, Lili and Joel

    We wish to advise you that the roadwork on the Châteauguay onramp (Ramp 4) will continue until the end of November.

    When work must occur on an existing structure, certain variables may result in additional delays.

    In the case of the current roadwork, it’s important to note that work effected under the La Prairie onramp (Ramp 2) is delicate and requires compliance with important safety norms. It would have been unthinkable to completely close this ramp given that drivers from both La Prairie and Châteauguay used it daily.

    As a result, the schedule has been reviewed in order to allow the work to proceed efficiently while respecting both the safety of drivers and the construction workers.

    Numerous efforts have been undertaken in the last weeks, and closures during the week and on the weekend are evidence of that. We have waited until today in order to be certain to understand the needs relating to finishing the work. We will take the month of November to complete the work on Ramp 4. The work on Ramp 3 (Châteauguay offramp) will not begin until next spring.

    We thank you for your understanding and your patience. Please rest assured that all those involved in the project are very conscious of the impact of the roadwork and have made every effort to complete it as quickly as possible.

  297. André Girard :

    @ Mike, Laurent, Cyrus and James

    We wish to assure you that many efforts are deployed daily to efficiently manage the traffic light. Since September, the person who manually operates the traffic light is posted at the top of the onramps in order to overlook the situation. The balance of traffic flow coming from each direction is now better but we will nevertheless constantly continue to improve the situation.

  298. Mike :

    At the very beginning of this blog, 3rd post, Mr. Girard assures us that this is the most up to date and informative blog concerning Mercier Bridge.
    Mr. Girard hasnt left a reply to the important questions posed SINCE Oct 2nd!!!
    What is going on…….traffic at its worst, more trucks than ever, dumpers mostly, when will it bloodly well end.

  299. Giovanni :

    I was wondering when the southbound section of the Mercier Bridge from the Montreal side to the first superstructure will be re-paved. I am sure that your concern for the safety of the public using the Mercier bridge is paramount. In my opinion with the current situation I think that with the coming winter season there could arise situations where the road clearing crews will not be able to effectively clear all the snow from the decking as there are excessive moguls created by the concrete patching of the paved surface. These moguls may create conditions whereby any melted snow (naturally or caused by salt de-icing) will pool in the valleys and turn to ice thereby creating rather serious driving conditions. It is beyond comprehension that in Chateuaguay the recent repaving of the intersection of the S. Jean Baptiste Boulevard and the Autoroute 30 is far more important (which in my opinion wasn’t) than the repaving of the Mercier Bridge!

  300. Cyrus :

    Andre wrote in the french version that the guy manning the lights is still there but he is sitting in a tree (actually the bridge) for a better view!

  301. Laurent :

    Hi André,

    What happened to the person manning the lights between St-Constant and Chateauguay traffic?

    The light seems to be automated now and oftentimes, the light is green for the St-Constant side, but there is not many cars because they are blocked at the red light just further down.

    If someone were manning the light, they would at least be able to let Chateauguay traffic through instead of having Chateauguay traffic wait at a red light, while a green light serves no purpose because St-Constant traffic is stopped at the light a bit further down.

    Thanks,
    Laurent

  302. Linda :

    My patience is really wearing thin now.
    Since September, the traffic from Chateauguay has been a nightmare. It is always backed up anywhere between Goodleafs and Chateauguay. I spend 50 – 60 minutes every morning just to access the Mercier Bridge. How much longer do we have to endure this? Enough is enough !!
    We can’t seem to get a straight answer as to when the 138 ramp to the bridge will re-open. Please answer this question. I feel that we have the right to know how much longer we have to put up with this horrendous traffic every single morning.

    I would not be surprised to see a lot of “For Sale” signs going up in Chateauguay. We have always had problems with Mercier Bridge but we have survived them. What about when the bridge was closed in 1990 for the Oka crisis? Now this. How much more could we take??

    I ask once again for the planned date of the opening of the 138 ramp to the bridge.

    I also would like to see trucks banned from the bridge during rush hour while we are suffering through this construction period.

    I definitely agree that there should be a camera on the Chateauguay side of Mercier Bridge. It is pathetic that the radio stations have to depend on listeners calling in to report on traffic.

    I expect an answer to this email and sooner than later please.

  303. Cyrus :

    It’s pretty much a given that it will be in November, I passed today 17 October and the new decking pieces look to be in place, but the expansion joints aren’t installed…

  304. Lili :

    Joel & Mike: I love your comments. They resume how a lot of us feel. It is now October 17th, and no end date yet. If this goes into November… it will be unfair. We have been patient enough. !!!

  305. Mike :

    Yesterday morning many of us were caught behind an 18 wheel loaded lumber truck. He decided he was king of the road and BLOCKED both lanes leading to the bridge and both lanes acending the bridge so nobody could pass. In minutes he added 2 km`s to the traffic lines. Nice. BAN TRUCKS DURING THE MORNING RUSH!!!
    Its been 2 weeks since Mr. Girard has posted an update, even though his updates are always the same and doesnt ever seem to address the questions posed or issues at hand.
    When will this welcome, but painful, project end.

    w

  306. Joel :

    Mr. Girard,
    Your October 2nd reply regarding the work progression is not exactly a ringing endorsement for the timely completion of the work. As citizens, we have a right to know if the originally estimated timeframe of 4 months is still achievable or if you have experienced any minor/substantial delays causing this morning rush hour nightmare to continue well into the month of November.
    There is nothing more frustrating than seeing people take the time to inform themselves and reading a vague response om how a variety of adjustments have had to be made.
    Can you please provide some detail, not a generic PR response, as to when you expect the Chateauguay access ramp to be re-opened for traffic?

  307. Cyrus :

    Even more strangely, it appears the info of that very closure was posted on this very site! Mais seulement en francais ??! (click the Francais button if you doubt me)

  308. Cyrus :

    I got burned by that 20-west ramp closure too on Saturday

    But certainly that’s an MTQ project so maybe these guys didn’t know

    it was relatively painless, but if I had better knowledge of the situation I’d be tempted to take the 138-E exit then pull a U-turn on Ste.Anne de Bellevue street and then 138-W but I presume that would be illegal ;)

  309. Ron Moroney :

    I’m very disappointed wit the snail’s pace of bridge work. There should have been more effort put in when we had better weather and longer days. When do we start hearing about how much harder it was and how much more money will be needed to complete the work.

  310. Edmund Gleason :

    I checked this site last friday to see if there were any closures upcoming for the weekend. I saw no indication of any closures. Well, Sunday at 1 PM I arrived at the entrance to the chateauguay bound Mercier, coming from the 20 west and it was totally closed. As bad as it was detouring around all of Lasalle to get to the bridge, it was still better than opening it to the 1 lane in each direction scenario, which can be a 2-3 hour experience. to sum up, whatever the change is, by Friday, please make every effort to advise those that check this website .

  311. Will :

    Is the Chateauguay access ramp on schedule to be opened by the end of October? While necessary this has been a painful experience each morning.

  312. André Girard :

    @ Edmund Gleason, Laurent, Ron, Jack and Lili

    We wish to advise you that the work is progressing well. As you can well understand, work of this scope involves a series of adjustments. We understand that morning wait times are not ideal, but on the other hand we are doing everything we can. These efforts do, however, depend on a significant number of factors we are trying to balance. The fact that traffic in September is heavier and more difficult on the South Shore does not make things easier.

    In terms of the roadwork, what remains is to replace the decks over Ramp 2 (access ramp to and from La Prairie). Work already in progress will continue in October, and we will advise you as soon as the work is complete. Thank you very much for both your understanding and especially for your patience.

  313. Edmund Gleason :

    2 weeks since last reply

  314. Laurent :

    Hello,

    Are you still responding to questions?

    Just following up on this. We’re in October now, so I would just ilke to know if everything is on schedule and what exactly that schedule is.

    Is the work on the Chateauguay on-ramp still scheduled to be completed in October? Will it then re-open to traffic? What is the exact date that the work on that ramp is scheduled to be completed and re-opened to traffic?

    Thanks
    Laurent

  315. Sal :

    Are there any plans to fix the lighting on the bridge. Many lamp post are not working. Very dark on the bridge. Thanks

  316. Laurent :

    Hello,

    Just following up on this:

    Is the work on the Chateauguay on-ramp still scheduled to be completed in October? Will it then re-open to traffic? What is the exact date that the work on that ramp is scheduled to be completed and re-opened to traffic?

    Thanks
    Laurent

  317. Pierre O :

    I couldn’t agree more

    6a.m. to 9a.m. BAN TRUCKS!!!

  318. Ron :

    Could you please tell us if the work is on time so far and what is the scheduled date to be finished for this Phase 1.

  319. Eric :

    Nice of you to keep the public informed, it would be even nicer to have traffic cams where the traffic headaches are which is the Kahnawake side, you said you would do that back in June the cameras at the other end of the bridge and were installed 10 years ago, How long does it take to install at least 2 more on the Chateauguay side? That is where the real traffic headaches are, besides the one that were installed 10 years ago are so small you can’t see anything. (…)

  320. Lili :

    Any closures week-end of Sept 26th? It would be nice to know in advance. Last week-end I read it in the Soleil on the Saturday that the bridge was actually closed. Can you advertise it a few days in advance on that big sign you have just before the bridge southbound? Or at least on the sign that is usually right after St-Francis. When there are closures, it discourages me to go to Montreal. Week days are enough. This week, so far, 40-45 minutes to reach the lights at the 138-132 intersection at 6h20 a.m. from the 138. Thank you.

  321. Laurent :

    Hi,

    Is the work on the Chateauguay on-ramp still scheduled to be completed in October? Will it then re-open to traffic? What is the exact date that the work on that ramp is scheduled to be completed and re-opened to traffic?

    Thanks
    Laurent

  322. André Girard :

    @ Ron

    As we say in our last post, the users who subscribe to the newsletter will only receive the notice on the morning of September 16. We are sorry for this inconvenient. The newsletter is always sent automatically on the day following the publication of a post on the blog. Thank you.

  323. Ron :

    Why do you send the notice of lane closure the day after it happened? I received this morning Sept 16 the e-mail for the closure of one lane on Sept 15th

  324. George Audet :

    When will work start on Ramp 3. also you guys are doing a fine job in informing the general public. thanks

  325. Cyrus :

    Also, there is no exit on the Jacques-Cartier before entering the “core”. Downtown is relatively far away, but the bridge drops right onto Papineau and de Lorimer, undersized city streets that are no fun to drive on especially in a truck. There isn’t even a controlled access to the 720, you have to pass some traffic lights.

  326. Cyrus :

    Pretty hard to argue against truckers from a “out of pocket” thing, the road is their livelihood and fuel is very expensive. There also isn’t much way to send them around, the Champlain Bridge is very far away and it is heavily congested at rush hour too.

    I don’t think A-30 will help much for something like this issue on the Mercier, since a trucker wanting to bypass Montreal entirely would almost certainly continue down the 132 through Delson/St Constant and follow the 132 until A-20 or take the A-30 / 132 / A-30 route… why go IN to Montreal.

    A-30 is still badly needed of course, but Montreal as being the hub of the region needs a lot of trucks to move goods into and out of the city…

  327. Lili :

    I agree with Mike 120% – Trucks are a nightmare during rush hour. Again this morning: this big fat truck (heavy load) was delaying all of us behind (around 6h30). Once I passed him on the bridge I went faster but I looked in my rear view mirror and he had all the cars behind him stuck, trying to pass. One big truck and dozens of cars stuck behind!!! Terrible…

  328. Mike :

    Mr.Girard,
    Thank you for your reply. However I believe that at this “historic time“ concessions need to be made. Citizens of the communities affected have added an hour each and every morning to our commute. We reach our hands into our pockets to pay the extra hour of daycare and increased fuel costs and carry the added stress of arriving at work on time. This amounts to a considerable amount of our time and money at weeks or months end.

    I believe that the citizens should be the clear priority and though I understand that the transport industry needs to use Mercier also, their 3 hour morning restriction is a relatively small inconvience by comparision to what it is costing us, both financially and personnally.
    Lastly, the are many exits from both Champlain and Jacques Cartier bridges before arriving in the downtown core as you stated.
    6a.m. to 9a.m. BAN TRUCKS!!!

  329. André Girard :

    @ Henri, Mike and Joel

    Thank you for taking the time to send us your comments. Concerning the access for trucks, their only other option would be to take Jacques-Cartier Bridge but that would lead them directly downtown, thus causing major traffic jams which would slow down the traffic flow. The same thing would happen in Longueuil for trucks going south. An exhaustive study on the Champlain Bridge corridor will get underway in the near future to identify different scenarios that could be put in place to resolve the situation.

    Also note that the situation should change in the coming years with the completion of highway 30. We have been promised that a large number of trucks that currently use either Champlain or Mercier Bridge and don’t have any business on the island will use highway 30 instead, which will bypass the island of Montreal (for example : a truck coming from the Maritimes or from the U.S. and heading for Toronto).

    If you want more information on how the work on highway 30 is progressing, please click on the following link. I hope that you find these explanations to be helpful. Do not hesitate to contact us again.

  330. Henri :

    I agree with Mike…since last week I have been spending at least 50 to 60 minutes just to reach the bridge at 6:30 in the morning!! Trucks must be banned from crossing the bridge between 6 till 9. It is a standard procedure in a number of states in the US and Europe on heavy traffic bridges…Please look into this as soon as possible. If this continues the state of traffic will be worse and this will have a very negative impact on people’s lives…I mean when you leave at 6:30 in the morning and you reach downtown by 8:00 this is ridicules.

    Thank you for understanding. And let us know whom to contact if we can help to have this done.

  331. Joel :

    Why is my comment from September 3rd still under moderation when more recent posts have been published?

  332. Mike :

    Traffic from Chateauguay is at its worst!! Never have I seen worse, not even in winter! I have suggested it here before, several times, and it has never been addressed or commented on. I am again suggesting that TRUCKS BE BANNED DURING THE MORNING RUSH. They really impede the flow of traffic to and onto the bridge. If the citizens affected by the bridge project are really important, as claimed, then why is a perfectly reasonable measure to improve our commute disregarded…..6 til 9…NO TRUCKS…..we have already suffered enough and its only the beginning. The transport industry can do its part too!!

  333. André Girard :

    @ Laurent

    Yes, the Mercier Bridge rehabilitation project includes construction of a new 2.1 km multi-user path for cyclists and pedestrians, situated on the west side of the bridge along the Châteauguay off-ramp. This new ramp is similar to the one that has been constructed on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge .

    The path will allow pedestrian and cyclist access to the bridge by the end of roadwork scheduled for 2011.

  334. Glen :

    I AM WRITING THIS FOR THE 4TH TIME!?!?!?!?! CAN WE USE THE BUS LANE IF WE CAR-POOL???????? WE ARE 5 PEOPLE IN CHATEAUGUAY THAT WOULD LIKE TO CAR-POOL… TRYING TO GO GREEN BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS LACKING A RESPONSE OR EFFORT.

  335. Abas :

    We have cameras inbound to the south shore for the mercier bridge which is good if your planning on using the bridge heading south. But what about having cameras on the access ramp of the mercier bridge this way we know exactly how much traffic there is instead of getting there and being it a surprise. It would only seem logical to have cameras on both sides of the bridge.

  336. Laurent :

    Hi,

    I sometimes bike onto the island and I noticed the new on-ramp does not seem to have a sidewalk. Are they going to be adding one? What route will cyclists take?

  337. Henri :

    What is going on today?
    I left at 8:20 this morning Chateauguay (138) heading downtown and the traffic was from Zellers at Chateauguay! I have never seen something like this before! Is there any problem? I heard at the same time on the radio that the 132 had no traffic at all…I had to come back to Chateauguay.

  338. Joel :

    This morning was a nightmare!!! Traffic backed-up past the 30 merge on the 132 as of 6:40am… I have never seen it backed-up that early, even during major snowstorms!!!
    I noticed that the lights were flashing red in both directions during rush hour this AM (with the two workers manning hand-held STOP signs), can I assume that this morning’s backlog was initially caused by a light malfunction?
    I think it’s safe to say that the first week of September is proving to be difficult for ALL Mercier Bridge users… Although the Project Team seems to be addressing some issues, I think their clearly needs to be more work done, let’s start with reiterating some important points:
    1. Can we make sure that there is someone managing the lights by 5:30am EVERY morning to avoid situations such as this AM.
    2. Can we ask that the delays for each side be kept relatively even by adding a few “spotters” on the 138 & 132 who could keep the “light operator” informed of the traffic backlogs in each direction.
    3. Maybe the lights in BOTH directions need to be a little longer allowing some traffic to get a full head of steam.
    4. TRUCKS, TRUCKS, TRUCKS… they are only added fuel to the existing fire. PLEASE restrict their access to the bridge from 5:30am to 9:00am. I don’t think it’s that much to ask during a MAJOR construction initiative such as this one. I don’t understand why no one seems to want to address the truck issue. It’s a TEMPORARY solution that would help traffic flow. There are other access routes they could use.

    If this project is still on course to be finished in late October, we are all looking at 7-8 more weeks of this nightmare unless REAL efforts are made to manage the traffic flows.

    (…)
    Why is truck access, during rush hour, still being permitted when you know it is a major problem?
    Why isn’t there a better communication plan (cameras, spotters heping manage time delays) set-up for the light operator to control the backlog in both directions?

  339. André Girard :

    @ Cheryl, Susan James and Dalo

    There’s going to be an important traffic deviation this week-end ending on Monday. Please consult our last post. Thank you.

  340. Fabian :

    I don’t know the reason, but it seems that traffic is in it’s worst shape ever! It took me exactly ONE FULL SOLID HOUR to get from Chateauguay to the light before the bridge. Is it going to be like this for now on or it’s just a glitch? It is worse than in winter with a snow storm, unbearable. What is causing this delay?

  341. Lili :

    Chris: We all had our share of unbalanced lights… Basically, I think the guy at the 138-132 lights should somehow be informed of the back-ups of each the 132 and 138. This way he can adjust accordingly. So: if for example he knows the 138 is backed-up to the Plaza (= approx. 30-35 min. delay), and 132 is less then he should keep our green lights longer and vice-versa. He needs to be informed almost minute by minute. Should he not have a Cell, a Radio, a Walkie-Talkie??? (…) Tks.

  342. Chris :

    It’s funny to read all these posts saying that the ilght is not fair and favors the 132. (…) now the 132 is backing up into St. Constant most mornings by 7AM (this is major snow storm traffic) and I hear on the radio that the 138 has a 15-20 minute delay. Our delay exceeds 45-50 minutes. (…) When I get within eye-sight of the light it is clearly 2-3 times longer for the 138 traffic – now that’s what I call fair folks! I’d like to see some stats on how many users access the bridge daily from each side – I woudl say that it is pretty even nowadays given the population explosion on the 132 side. (…) It’s only going to get worse as the season changes…
    A very discouraged 132 Driver

  343. Cheryl :

    I would like to know if the bridge will be operating at 2 lanes in each direction or will it be reduced to 1 lane in each direction for this coming Labor Day weekend? What are the estimated delays if reduced to 1 lane at noon on Saturday’s? Thank you.

  344. Susan James :

    Will there be lane closure this Labor Day Weekend ?

  345. Dalo :

    will the mercier bridge be open on the outbond on september 7 to 11 2009

  346. Malcolm :

    I got to say that traffic is moving very well for this time of the year but it could be better on the 138 side. I would like to make one comment. Why aren’t new lines painted on the 138 between the 207 access and the new bypass? Each morning the people traveling on the 138 need to merge at the base of the bridge while the people coming in on the 207 have direct access to the bypass. I understand the signs have the two lanes on the 138 moving to the side but no one if following the signs they all follow the (old) lines on the highway. It would be nice to see painted lines and a stop sign for the 207 access. I think that this would improve the traffic even more. We are going to need better flow now that school has started.

  347. Edmund Gleason :

    Thanks for your reply. I must say, despite the hassle of the construction,the people behind this website are very open and helpfull. I live in the west Island and for the past 7 years go to chateauguay every weekend to see my girlfriend, and have had many long delays as a result.

  348. André Girard :

    Yes the bridge will run 2 lanes in each direction this weekend. Thank you.

  349. Barrry Bazoo :

    @ Everyone commenting about light guy

    For those that are unaware, I used to work for a signalization company for 3 or 4 years. It isn’t the guy at the lights that should be blamed as he is simply following orders given to him (…).

  350. Edmund Gleason :

    Is the bridge running 2 lanes in each direction, this coming weekend, August 29th?

  351. John :

    Is the work being done running on schedule?

  352. Lili :

    Thank you very much. I will not only write to you to complain but to thank you as well. This morning… much better.. I still have to say that I am keeping my fingers crossed. At this point, do you know if the 138 will re-open closer to the beginning of October or more to the end of October???

  353. Pierre O :

    Mr Girard, traffic was much better balanced this morning.

    Great work!

  354. André Girard :

    @ Lili, Pierre O, Will, Mike Currie, Randy, zarbo, Jerry, Henri, Will Flynn and Donna

    We wish to assure you that we are making great efforts to insure an efficient management of the traffic light.

    We also want to thank you for your comments and we will take the appropriate measures in order to correct the situation. The next weeks will be decisive and we will do follow-ups regularly to analyse traffic flow during the back to school period to insure that things go as well as possible.

  355. Lili :

    Thank you all you guys commenting since Aug. 19th about the guy at the lights. I have been mentioning this since last week… still no reply… no improvement. 138 very backed-up, 132 easy flow. Mr. Girard, are you on vacation?

  356. Pierre O :

    I totally agree with Mike, trucks should be forbidden from accessing the Mercier bridge at rush hours during the contruction period.

    Also, they have to find a way to better balance the traffic coming from both highways.

  357. Will :

    Still no changes made to the traffic flow at the light. At 7:30 this morning no backup from the 132 side but Chateauguay backed up before the bingo hall. (…)

  358. Mike Currie :

    This is going to be a mess in a few weeks when everybody gets back to work and school. Somebody really needs to take control of the light and let traffic from the Chateauguay side move, TRUCKS NEED TO BE DENIED ACCESS DURING THE MORNING RUSH, when trucks move from the light it takes quite awhile for them to get moving up the ramp and seriously impeeds the flow of traffic for all of us!! (…) Common sense tells us that truck restrictions need to be implemented and applied. (…)

  359. Randy :

    Again this morning! Traffic backed up at 6:15 all the way to the bingo hall…..

    What will happen next week when CEJEPs and universities open up. Normal years this means 1 plus drive to cross the bridge, what will this year bring!

  360. Ronald :

    Mr. Girard, there seems to be a major problem with the fellow working the traffic lights. AGAIN this morning there was over 3km (30 minutes) wait coming from Chateauguay and no traffic at all coming from Ste-Catherine.

  361. zarbo :

    I im getting pretty upset in the morning when i go to work, since they changed the traffic light contoller, traffic is always backed up in chateauguay. This morning it took me 45 minutes of traffic to get on the bridge, when i seen the st-constant people have to wait about 1 minute if the light is red it makes me sick. The problem is that the controller does not know how blocked it is on the chateauguay side.

    I understand this is a big project for the goverment, although they should also think about the thousands of people who use it every morning.

    (…)

  362. Jerry :

    How often is this site updated? No new info since mid July?
    The person at the lights cannot see the line-up into Chateauguay. Equal opportunity please.

  363. Henri :

    Mr Girard we appreciate all of the efforts to organize and reduce the suffering of people during the work on the bridge. However, since the beginning of this week, the person responsible for controlling the lights between the 138 and 132 seems to be unaware that the traffic on the Châteauguay side is backing almost till Châteauguay in the morning…versus the 132 is clear at all times. During the past 3 days, I and a number of people I know noticed that he is giving priority to the 132 and he is barely giving the 138 traffic a 20 seconds access.

    It seems that he is not aware of the harm he is causing (Needs to be notified) since we are waiting for 35 to 40 minutes just to arrive to the bridge). I suggest that he will be given access to a live camera or to have another person on the 138 side communicating with him about the status of the 138…and for the time being to give the 138 traffic much more time…

    Thank you again for this useful blog…

  364. Pierre O :

    Can you please remove the guy who is controlling the traffic light at the new junction of hwy-132 and hwy-138. Things would be much smoother without him as he doesn’t seem to be able to judge traffic very well. Every day this week we’ve had line-up of 4km on hwy-138 and none at all on hwy-132.

    Thx!

  365. Will Flynn :

    You need to look at time allocation at the lights for traffic from the 138 & 132. Two days in a row there have been zero delay from the 132 side but 30 – 40 minutes delay from the 138 side. I leave work at 7:10. There needs to be more balance

  366. Lili :

    Again… the guy at the lights (132/138) has no idea that the 138 is backed up 30-40 minutes and he lets the 132 flow better. This morning we were backed up to the Plaza. He must be notified. Doesn’t he have a cell or a walkie talkie? I have been commenting on this issue since last week… Come on!!!

  367. André Girard :

    The rehabilitation project of the Mercier Bridge will finish in 2011. The actual work that is being done on the access ramp from Châteauguay should finish in October.

  368. Ron Rivard :

    Since last week they seem to have changed the person at the light control at the 132 merge! The chateauguay side has been backed up to the bingo hall on many days while the St Constant side was free and clear What happened? Wasn’t the chateauguay side supposed to get priorty? This has not been happening !

  369. Donna :

    I agree with Lili 100% it doesn’t make sense that those who travel the 138 should have to wait so much longer than those on the 132. There are still alot of people on vacation at the moment and if the light issue doesn’t improve the traffic is going to be unbearable when school starts and everyone is back from vacation. Thanks.

  370. Lili :

    138: We were backed up to the Bingo 2 mornings in a row, whereas the 132 people are almost instant. The guy who switches the lights at the intersection of 132/138 should be notified. He cannot see that far. We had the same problem last week but it is worst this week. Thank you.

  371. Matthew :

    Is it possible to cross the bridge currently on foot or by bike?

  372. Randy :

    When will the merge with between the 138/207 be fixed?

    Again this morning 3 lanes of push and shove.

  373. Brian Taylor :

    Why have the white lines still have not been painted on the down ramp to 132east from the mercier bridge and from 132 west towards and the bridge going up the ramp. As well the lines that were painted on the brdige always dissapear after the first few snowfalls, can you consider a second coating before the winter since you are using water based latex as opposed to epoxy paint that is uded on new pavements? Thank you

  374. Lili :

    This is a great site; thank you for giving us answers.
    Yesterday and this morning, the people from the 138 were backed up to the 207 but the people from the 132 were almost instant to the bridge. The person who controls the lights gives priority to the “132″; he does not seem to see the long line up from the 138. Thank you again.

  375. André Girard :

    @ Lili
    We are currently correcting the situation in order to allow users to drive freely without having to slow down between 5:30 AM and 9:30 AM (during rush hour) and especially to avoid confusion. We will therefore make sure that stops signs be covered until the end of rush hour every morning. Thank you for your understanding.

  376. Chris :

    This is for the people coming from Ste. Catherine / Delson / St. Constant. From what I can see in the video plans, we will not inconvenience the drivers coming from Chateauguay when our ramp is re-decked. However, every morning when I pass through that new traffic light at the base of the Laprairie ramp, I see that the green light time alotted for us is less than half that of the Chateauguay drivers. I don’t think that there is that much more traffic on the Chateauguay side – we end up with delays of 10 mins. plus every morning during the construction holidays while Chateauguay drivers whiz through often not even having to wait for the light. I would really appreciate it if you could re-program the light sequence to be fair ot both sides.

    On another related topic – when all is said and done, will the traffic from the Laprairie ramp still have to wait through that red light at the top every morning? We are just as busy as the Chateauguay side and they never have to wait at a complete stop, they simply lose one lane every time the light changes. The morning traffic on the Laprairie side is terrible from Sept – June!

  377. Tina :

    Is it possible to fill the dirt road near the seaway with gravel? That is the current detour road to go to the Office Complex and it is very bad. They did scrape it but it didn’t help. Just around the corner from the water system there is a huge rut where the water accumulates and only one vehicle can pass at a time.
    Thank you.

  378. Lili :

    Why is it so difficult to cover the stop signs properly in the morning? Fortunately traffic is good these days but… Yesterday (Aug 3) stop sign half covered. This morning (Aug 4), left sign covered but not the right sign. I do not look forward to September AT ALL!

  379. warren mccunn :

    friends, can you tell me when all the bridge work will be finished, approximate date, if you know what i mean, thank you , keep up the good work

  380. Lili :

    I agree with the fact that white lines should be painted at the bottom of the 138 – merging with the 207. It is confusing – people cut from 3 to 2 lanes left and right. Thank you.

  381. André Girard :

    @ Robert Weiss and Dave Elder
    We will take advantage of the coming weeks and the construction holiday to finish the road marking works. We have already corrected the markings painted last weekend.

  382. André Girard :

    @ Norman
    This morning, we started moving the first deck panels of the Mercier Bridge. For more details, please consult our last post.

  383. Robert Weiss :

    I noticed over the past two days that where the 132 & 138 merge going onto the bridge still has a double white line across? The 132 now has 2 access lanes however I noticed people cutting off the left lane (132 & 138 merge) because they were afraid to cross the double white line that has not been removed! By law you are not allowed to cross a double white line so why is it still there?

    Please paint black over it ASAP and correct the lane config with new lines. Thank you.
    Bob
    St-Constant

  384. Norman :

    It’s now 4 weeks into the ramp 4 closure and I haven’t seen anything done or even a worker anywhere in site. Are you sure this ramp will be ready by October?

  385. Lili :

    July 17: At last “FRIDAY” and that is when we get a bit of a break but… why wasn’t the STOP signed covered this morning? Is it an oversight? Can we afford oversights? If it happened this morning, will it happen again?
    Also it is not overflowing very smoothly at the bottom of the 138, merge of the 207. Is there a way to fix this? Thank you.

  386. Dave Elder :

    Hi,
    After taking the Mercier Bridge every morning for some time now, I was wondering why the white lines for the lanes have not been painted further down the 138 from where the new lane configuration start at the 207, it looks to me everybody is confused when they get to the detour at the 207 and 138, if the lines were painted, I think the traffic would move a lot better at that point.

  387. André Girard :

    We are currently making adjustments in order to even out access to the Mercier Bridge in both directions (Route 132 and Route 138).

    Over the last few weeks, we have also noticed that many motorists change their route in the mornings by sometimes taking the 132 or the 138. In addition, the traffic light on Route 132 (the next to last traffic light before the bridge) gives priority to buses so as to encourage public transportation. This priority traffic light can sometimes slow down the flow from La Prairie. For instance, if a bus is waiting at the intersection, the light will automatically change and therefore slow down traffic on Route 132.

    We have to analyze the situation as a whole in order to offer solutions that are beneficial to all. Please rest assured that we are analyzing the traffic on a daily basis and that we hope to take advantage of the coming days to improve the free flow in both directions.

  388. Lili :

    July 14: This morning the girl at the lights (bottom of 132) re-synchronized the lights manually. In a few minutes, by the 138, we went from 15 minute wait to 30-40 minute wait… and the 132 cleared quickly. She did not seem to see the long line-up from the 138. A better re-balancing is needed maybe???

  389. Ron :

    Why do you remove the stop at 6:00 when the traffic starts at 5:00. By the time you remove it the damage is already done.Traffic on Mercier bridge starts early. And I liked Mike’s suggestion about restricking trucks from 6:00 to 9:00 or it could be 5:30 to 8:30. Thank you

  390. Mike Currie :

    It would well be worth considering restricting trucks from 6 to 9 am also to move traffic. Other free flowing access points to Montreal are available. this would be a HUGE improvement to traffic flow from both the 138 and 132.

  391. David Branch :

    July 13th 6:30 Am, Access to the Bridge from the 132 (45min) access from 138 (<1min) something is seriously wrong with the way the lights are administered…When it is faster to take highway 30 to Chateauguay to come back around to access the Bridge from the side I started from (…)

  392. Jim :

    When will they be working on the original portion of the bridge? The south-bound section from Lasalle to the elevated portion over the seaway.

  393. Leo :

    Please paint lines on the road, 138 starting from the 207 so people know where to go and how to merge.

  394. Lili :

    Thank you for the removal of the STOP sign. People still slowed down and were unsure but I think I gained about 10 minutes. Maybe when everyone knows to just go ahead it might improve even more.

    Still… I would like to know about September and October???

  395. B.Brazier :

    Mr. Girard

    Day one with the police at the stop sign was a failure.
    As we approach the stop, both large stop signs are still visibale with the large ‘new signal’ in yellow below it.
    A Peacekeeper car is sitting there with ALL of its lights on, and the officer was standing talking to a construction worker.
    We all came to a STOP, WHO would not stop at any intersection where a police car is all lit up and there are 2 giant stop signs??
    My I suggest that the stops be covered during rush hour, and, as on other road construction zones, a signal man(woman) with a “STOP”-”SLOW” lollipop sign in hand to direct the flow, and let trafic pass.
    Trafic was backed up to Plaza Khanata this morning.
    thank you

  396. Danielle :

    I think that to help some traffic on the 138, would be to stop access from the 207 for non Mohawk natives starting at 5:00am. And to paint lines on the 138 road. This way the right lane wouldn’t cut in the left giving a huge benefice to the people coming from the 207. It’s like people don’t know where to go without white lines. Thank you

  397. Glen Amelotte :

    Why couldn’t we use the bus lane for people who carpool. We are 5 people that all work at the same place and would like to conserve the environment. We use 3 cars and sit in traffic side by side, for more than 1 hour every morning and pollute. Carpool lane would be beneficial on traffic, pollution (environment), and time. ( we should post a carpool web page for chateaugay, with specific drop off points).

  398. Philippe :

    Hey,
    Can you please make the light change longer on the 132 because with have all the big 18 w truck that pass on the 132, and there do move has fast has a car…
    It took me 1:20hrs to get to the bridge and I work in Laval so this morning took 2:00hrs to get to my job. I CAN WAY FOR SEPTEMBER its will be FUN!!!

  399. Liliana :

    Can you please remove the STOP sign between the 138 and the 132 detour. It took me 40 minutes this morning just to get there and I leave at 6h20 and it is summer. Why not just make the STOP mandatory if a car is trying to go by? Or remove it during morning rush hour.

    What will happen in September and October when everyone goes back to work and school?

    Already fed-up.

  400. André Girard :

    We wish to inform motorists that tomorrow morning a police officer will be posted near the stop signs on the detour road joining Route 138 and Route 132, from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., in order to remove the mandatory stop during the morning rush hour.

    Striping work will also be done shortly in order to improve the current configuration of the Route 138 and Route 207 junction towards the detour road, which enables access to the Mercier Bridge.

    For more details, please read our last post.

  401. Marion Testart :

    I have a funeral to attend at 11 am in Chateauguay on Monday, July 6, 2009. Can I cross the Mercier Bridge at all from Montreal? Or should I take the Champlain Bridge and then take LaPrairie Road to Kanawake, then on to Chateauguay?

    Then when I return from Chateauguay to Montreal, how do I get to Montreal say around 1 pm after the funeral?

    Marion Testart

  402. B.Brazier :

    I am confused as to why the left lane on the 138 must merge with the right lane at the 207 junction. From the signage, the left lane merges into the right line(center) and the bus lane and trafic from the 207 continue with their own lane. Trafic is now cutting into the bus lane to avoid the merging left lane.
    Since there is a lot less trafic merging from the far right(bus & 207), could the signage be redesigned to allow the 207 trafic to merge with the right lane? The buses still go straight, after they get the light at the 207 junction.
    This would help the flow from Chateauguay. On the 29th & 30th of June, we were backed up to the Plaza 138.
    -Bob

  403. André Girard :

    @ J. Autsin and Todd
    For the time being, we only have one camera located in La Salle. We will look into the possibility of having another one on the south shore, as requested.

    @ david
    The four lanes will remain open during rush hours throughout the repair work. Although traffic is currently being diverted, the four lanes are open during rush hours. Instead of converging on the bridge, motorists coming from Châteauguay and La Prairie merge on Route 132 towards the Mercier Bridge. The La Prairie access ramp is also being widened by one lane for the occasion.

    @ mark
    We will continue to monitor traffic throughout the summer while keeping in mind the back to school period in September, in order to ensure that the detour road remains convenient. It is also important to note that adjustments have been made and will continue to be made over the next several weeks so as to better manage traffic.

  404. Jim :

    Question. When will the deck of the 74 year old portion of the bridge be replaced?

  405. J. Austin :

    Is it possible to install a webcam on the Chateauguay side of the bridge? I inquired about this with the provincial government and they said that they are waiting for the new wiring. It will be a great help Mr. Girard if you could facilitate the installation of the new webcam on the Chateauguay side of the bridge, especially at this time.

  406. Todd :

    Are there any plans to put up live webcams on the Kanawake side, both 132 & 138 approaches?

  407. david :

    Will all four lanes be open during rush hours like mentioned? And would the Bridge have full access also during the winter.

  408. mark :

    Wanted to leave a comment around the planning of the new configuration. I think the project team did a great jom in setting up the new config, the daily backlog coming from Chateauguay is aactually not that bad my only concern is for September and October. WOW, that will be brutal, I think giving 1 lane permanant from chateuaguay and have st.constant side with a 2 minute light, just like it was on the ramp. I think the wil help the chateauguay side go faster.

  409. André Girard :

    @ David
    We will continue to plan some adjustments to improve traffic flow for the returns from vacation.

    @ Tony Caferra
    When the removal of the old bridge will begin, we will make sure to post some pictures and videos.

    @ Giovanni
    The southbound exit ramp towards St. Constant will not be narrowed down to one lane in this phase of the project.

    @ Danielle Shanks
    The 138 east access ramp will be closed for about four months.

    @ Susan
    Since ramp 4 (access ramp from Châteauguay) will be closed for about four months, trucks exceeding the overhead clearance of the La Prairie access ramp (4,1 meters due to the working platforms located under ramp 4) are asked to use the Champlain Bridge.

  410. David :

    With the closing of the 138 ramp my wait time has gone from 5 minutes to 25 minutes, i.e. quintupled. In September and October, when everyone returns from vacation and the schools re-open my wait time is 20-30 minutes. Can I expect this wait time to be quintupled to almost 2 1/2 hours?

  411. James :

    Will the bridge still be open to cycling/pedestrian traffic coming from Montreal? More specifically on next Monday.

  412. André Girard :

    You are right, we will try to improve this.

  413. Giovanni :

    From the video of the work to be done, it would seem that the southbound exit ramp towards St. Constant is being Narrowed down to a single lane, will this not create longer traffic lineups during the afternoon and evening rush hours? as we all know the region from the Mercier towards Candiac has seen a growth period over the last few years so it stands to reason that the exit ramp should remain 2 lanes, any explanation would be nice

  414. Gary Fuller :

    It would be more practical to have the answers to questions appear next to the question asked and not further down the page. Either quote the question in your response or leave the response directly under the question. Seeing people’s questions and answers all out of order is very confusing. Just a suggestion for improvement.

  415. Elizabeth :

    If I want to bike over the bridge do I use the 138 ramp or 132?

  416. André Girard :

    I don’t have an answer yet for your question, but I will refer you to the CITSO website for the bus run. Thank you.

  417. André Girard :

    There is a change in our plan for South Shore direction next week. We just announced that the Mercier Bridge will be reduced to one lane in South Shore direction from June 22 to June 25, from 4 A.M. to 2 P.M., thus avoiding the afternoon rush hour. For more details, consult our last post.

  418. Lili :

    Do you have any idea what a nightmare it will be in September? Any solutions?

  419. André Girard :

    Exactly, the ramp 4 is the access ramp from Châteauguay only. The access ramp to Châteauguay (ramp 3) will be open as usual. But the Mercier Bridge will be reduced to one lane in South Shore direction from June 22 to June 25, from 4 A.M. to 2 P.M., thus avoiding the afternoon rush hour. For more details, consult our last post.

  420. André Girard :

    The access ramp from Lasalle to Châteauguay (ramp 3) should not be close during this period of time, unless it’s for maintenance work, but we will publicize it before.

  421. André Girard :

    Yes, the bus will continue to have a reserved lane as you can see on our plan and will link Châteauguay to Angrignon metro. You should notice on the plan that the bus will merge the traffic flow for about 1 km and then get back on the reserved lane. It should take about an extra 8 minutes for the bus run.

  422. André Girard :

    Yes, the bus will continue to have a reserved lane as you can see on our plan. But you should notice on our plan that the bus will merge the traffic flow for about 1 km and then get back on the reserved lane. It should take about an extra 8 minutes for the bus run.

  423. André Girard :

    There will be no train station on the Châteauguay side. But the bus will continue to have a reserved lane as you can see on our plan. You should notice on the plan that the bus will merge the traffic flow for about 1 km and then get back on the reserved lane. It should take about an extra 8 minutes for the bus run.

  424. L. Delisle :

    Ramp 4 will be closed. Does that mean only the access ramp from 138? The down ramp from bridge to 138 to Chateuguay will be open?

  425. chris :

    how do you get into chateauguay from lasalle?

  426. Patricia :

    i would like to be informed if the chatauguay busses traveling from chateauguay to angrinion metro will still be active during the construction.

    thanks,
    Patricia

  427. Cindy :

    Will the buses have priority to get to the bridge?

  428. Susan Sharpe :

    Hi,
    Do you know if Citso will have buses going to St-Constant so we can take the train rather than sit in traffic because of this detour?

    Thanks,
    Susan

  429. Scuba Diving :

    Many thanks! This website is very practical. Thanks for communicating with us.

  430. John :

    Will there be a train station on the Chateauguay side?

  431. André Girard :

    Over the last few weeks, much preparatory work has been done in anticipation of the replacement of the deck of the access ramp from Châteauguay (ramp 4). For the week-end of June 20, motorists who wish to take the access road connecting Route 132 to Route 138 will have to take Old Malone road rather than the usual access road.

    But the most important closure will start on Monday June 22, by closing the access ramp from Châteauguay. You should be ok for your event, by making sure your guests are taking the Old Malone Highway instead of the usual access road. For all the details of this closure, consult our last post.

  432. André Girard :

    There’s no ferry option for the moment, but in order to offer users the best possible service, here is an overview of the steps taken by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) and the ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) to minimize inconveniences for the users, in our Mitigation section. For all the details of the project, I will like to invite you to consult our Project Synopsis section.

  433. André Girard :

    You will find all the details for our next closure, starting June 22, on our last post. Thank you.

  434. Greg Horn :

    Can you contact me when you have a chance, I’d like for you to send me information directly so I can do articles on my web site.
    Thanks

  435. jackie :

    Is it true that the bridge will be closed completly from Monday June 15 ??

  436. Dora Floros :

    Hello,

    I would like to know about a ferry service for congestion relieif as well as the duration of the project, how long will this take?
    Will the span be replaced?

    Thank you

  437. Darcy Kieran :

    This website is very practical. Many thanks! However…

    Would it be possible to know a little bit more “ahead of time” when the bridge will be closed or partly closed? When we find out late on Thursday or on Friday, it’s too late to make major changes to our week-end plans.

    For instance… Do you have something planned for the week-end of June 20? We are trying to organize an event in Kahnawake and it would involve a lot of traffic between Kahnawake on the South Shore and NDG on the Island…

    Thanks!

  438. Randy :

    Again, I repeat the same question. I did not ask about lag time. A good idea of the flow only works when the camera is working.

    Why do the cameras not work all the time?(last weekend it did not work at all)

    And why does it not show the inbound side just like in you link to the camera?

  439. André Girard :

    The image of the camera is uploaded every five minutes. It’s not in real time, but it gives you a really good idea of the traffic flow. Thank you.

  440. Randy :

    What is the use of having a link to “Live Web Cam” if the there camera is not working? Also when it is working it is on the LaSalle side of the bridge… What happened to the Chateauguay side?

  441. André Girard :

    I invite you to consult our last post to have the details of this weekend (30 and 31 may) closures. Thank you.

  442. Roland Lussier :

    OK Moderation: Will the northbound ramp be open on Saturday?

  443. Roland Lussier :

    Larry; Can you tell me if I can cross the bridge from Chateauguay to Lasalle on Saturday 30th may ? I have a medical appointment at 10:30 AM ?

  444. André Girard :

    This is the most accurate and up to date blog about the rehabilitation of the Mercier Bridge.

    The next phase of repair work should begin in the next few months and will cause the closure (week and weekend) of the access ramp to the bridge from Châteauguay. Traffic will therefore be diverted towards Highway 132. The access ramp to the bridge from La Prairie will be widened to two lanes to facilitate traffic (see explanatory video). The scheduled dates for this phase will be announced over the next several months.

    This repair work will assuredly not begin in the next few days and we will be certain to warn motorists in advance before the start of the work. We invite you to follow the progression of this project by signing up to the newsletter, to the RSS feed or to Twitter. You will then be among the first to be informed as soon as the dates are officially scheduled.

  445. mike :

    is this web the most accurate and up to date….there are rumors that the bridge will only have one lane in and out all the time for 2yrs

  446. Che Gilbert :

    I am looking for maps that show the altered flow of traffic onto side roads recently constructed on existing roads and lands between Mercier Bridge and the St Lawrence Seaway.

  447. Larry :

    Can you ,please inform me when the construction will commence ? We can then make plans to take an alternate route. Thank You

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