MONTREAL - The onset of winter weather isn't putting much of a crimp in plans for construction work on the Ville Marie Tunnel, the Viger Tunnel, and the Turcot Interchange.
This weekend work will take place on all three roadways, and some of it will continue until the end of the year.
First up is work on the Viger Tunnel, site of a shocking incident this summer when a 25-tonne concrete slab fell onto the roadway.
It was only through luck that the slab did not land on any cars or construction workers.
The concrete slabs -- formally called paralumes -- are sunscreens designed to adapt drivers' eyes to the dim light in the tunnel, and only cover eastbound traffic.
Transport Quebec decided months ago to remove the heavy structures and not replace them. Instead extra lights have been installed in the Viger Tunnel.
Now, starting 11 p.m. Friday and lasting until 5 a.m. Monday, both sides of the Viger Tunnel will be closed.
On the eastbound side, drivers will have to use the St. Laurent/Berri exit and can detour along St. Antoine.
The Duke St./ Bonaventure entrance will off-limits from 10 p.m. Friday until the work is completed.
Transport Quebec is also considering, but has yet to confirm, if the Ville Marie Tunnel will also be closed. If so, drivers on the 720 East would have to exit at Montagne St.
As for drivers heading west, they will have to avoid the Viger Tunnel from Panet St. through to Hotel de Ville from 11 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.
The stretch of Hotel de Ville above the highway will also be closed for the duration of the construction project.
Police officers will be on hand during the day to direct traffic, while those driving after dark will have to rely on signs to spot detours.
If the work is delayed by weather, or not completed by Monday morning, crews will be back the first weekend of December.
Turcot Interchange
Starting 11 p.m. Friday night and right through until the end of the year, getting from the 15 North to the Ville Marie Expressway will be impossible.
Transport Quebec is closing that part of the Turcot Interchange for repairs which are expected to last until December 23.
Meanwhile this weekend, drivers who normally go east from the 20 to the Ville Marie Expressway will need to find another route.
With work completed on one of the two lanes, crews are ready to switch sides. As a result from 11 p.m. Friday until 6:30 a.m. Sunday, both lanes will be closed.
After that drivers will have to stay out of the righthand lane were crews will be replacing the roadbed.
There will be other, as yet unspecified, overnight closures on the Turcot Interchange this weekend.
