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Just when you thought the traffic in and around Montreal this fall couldn’t get any worse.
Wednesday morning’s commute turned into a nightmare for drivers heading to Montréal from the South Shore after a sudden closure on the nearly 90-year-old Honoré-Mercier Bridge.
According to a report by the CBC, Québec’s Transport Ministry announced that the left lane heading towards Montreal would remain closed indefinitely after a crack was discovered in a steel beam during maintenance work.
Read: Montreal road closures and construction: 42 major projects planned for fall 2026
Following further inspections overnight, officials decided to keep the lane closed for an indefinite period.
The report indicated that the move to close the lane is a preventative measure to help reduce the load on the structure.
Is the Mercier Bridge closed?
While the discovery may sound alarming, the ministry says the bridge remains safe to drive across—and that the structure distributes weight in a way that allows traffic to continue despite the crack.
The immediate impact on commuters, however, has been significant. By 7 a.m. Wednesday, motorists were facing delays of up to 60 minutes trying to get onto the bridge.
The next step is to determine what repairs or corrective measures are required. Until that assessment is complete, officials cannot say how long the lane will remain closed.
The ministry says a further update could come later Wednesday. In the meantime, drivers are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys and prepare for a difficult commute.
What is the current traffic situation on the Mercier bridge?
Check real-time traffic conditions and updates before you leave via Québec 511.
Live traffic flow indicators are available on the Honoré Mercier Bridge | PJCCI portal here.
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