Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

The safety of Highway 50 has been an issue for years, one that continues to raise numerous discussions and election promises. Recently, the project to widen the section between Ange-Gardien and Lachute to four lanes, which had been scheduled for this year, was reportedly put on hold due to financial issues.

Mathieu Lacombe, MNA for Papineau, had promised to complete the expansion of the entire Highway 50 by 2032. According to Paul-André David, the mayor and prefect of the MRC of Papineau, the work is likely to take several years, ending even as late as 2036. This delay in the schedule is far from unanimous. “It’s definitely a disappointment,” said Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. “Having one lane in each direction creates accidents and a sense of insecurity. Obviously, we understand that investments and public finances at the provincial government are difficult, but nonetheless, this is an important and symbolic project for the Outaouais region.”

According to the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, there was never any question of widening all sections simultaneously. In this sense, the highway, divided into seven segments, will have to be widened based on the danger level of the areas. “Currently, it’s section 7 that’s under construction, the one between Mirabel and Lachute,” she said. “Although it’s not directly in Gatineau, it’s still excellent news.” According to Ms. Guilbaut, short-term safety measures will be installed for sections 2 to 6 using crash barriers, photo radar, and a police presence. “Our plan is to secure Highway 50,” she said. “It’s important for people to know that things are moving forward.”

It should be noted that the widening of Section 1 between Gatineau and Ange-Gardien was completed on August 22, 2024, after more than two years of work.

The mayor stated that she will continue to raise awareness within the Quebec government and work with MNAs to ensure the voices of Gatineau residents are heard.

Photo: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, during a press scrum, answering media questions about the situation on Highway 50 (June 4, 2025). (MG) Photo: Screenshot