The federal part of the Bonaventure Expressway will be transformed into an urban boulevard by 2029, Ottawa and the City of Montreal announced Tuesday.
The new artery will give way to the shore of the St. Lawrence River for a linear park with a bicycle path and a pedestrian path.
“I really look forward to seeing the day when Montrealers will be able to be as proud as we are and enjoy their new Bonaventure Boulevard,” said Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez. His government is investing 282 million in the project.
Work to stabilize the banks should begin next year. The transformation of the highway itself is expected to take place from 2025 to 2027, followed by the development of the linear park. The impact on traffic will be “difficult” during the work, indicated the state-owned company Les Ponts Jacques Cartier et Champlain Incorporé (PJCCI), which manages the project.
The current Bonaventure highway dates from 1966 and was built right on the water’s edge. The new boulevard will replace Carrie-Derrick Street, about fifty meters further north.
“The speed of 70 km/h will be reduced to 50 km/h and traffic lights will be added,” JCCBI said. The boulevard will retain three lanes in each direction, but the third lane “will be under dynamic management”.
The mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, took part in the announcement. “This signature project will finally reconnect the metropolis to the St. Lawrence River,” she said. “This new entrance to the city will directly contribute to the attractiveness of Montreal and the quality of life. »