Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

Snowy weather overnight into Monday morning caused slower traffic throughout the West Island this morning. Slowed traffic on the three main north-south arteries, Saint-Charles, Saint-Jean and Sources Boulevards leading to Highway 40 and Highway 20 were scattered at multiple intersections as snow plow drivers worked to clear the roads. Lane closures on all three roads due to repair work caused long standstills as traffic was consolidated to one or two lanes at several intersections.

Highway 40 blockages due to lane closures on the Ile-aux-Tourtes bridge are ongoing and was exasperated by the heavy snow fall. Chemin Sainte-Marie exit remains closed causing congestion at the Saint-Charles Boulevard detour. The Ministry of Transport continues to encourage road users to opt for public transportation or telework in order to reduce heavy congestion resulting on both Highway 40 and Highway 20 from Vaudreuil-Dorion to Dorval circle. Express bus 40 is now free to travelers until further notice.

Highway 20 continues to be used by road users as a detour from Highway 40. Snow removal began shortly after 10:30 p.m. yesterday evening west of Saint-Jean Boulevard. Traffic was slower than usual Monday morning until approximately 9 a.m. at which point it resembled the typical 6:30-8:30 a.m. traffic hours. Municipal snow removal vehicles were busy clearing snow on residential streets while residents were busy shovelling or plowing the snow piles blocking their driveways.

Police authorities sent reminders that removing snow and ice from their vehicles is obligatory before hitting the roads and that winter tires are required as well since December 1st. Police vehicles from the Montreal Police Service (SPVM as well as Provincial Police (SQ) were present at the majority of major intersections Monday morning, especially near Highway exits. Schools and daycares sent letters to parents Sunday evening or Monday morning allowing for late arrivals or absences on an as needed basis taking into account the difficult road conditions.