Driving around Montreal this weekend will be a trying experience.

The demolition of the western half of the St. Jacques bridge over the Decarie Expressway over the next two or three weekends promises to make driving a terrible experience.

Construction crews will be on the southbound lanes of the 15 in order to rip off chunks of the bridge and haul them away.

"That will have repercussions on Highway 20, on the Ville Marie Expressway," and much more according to traffic consultant Rick Leckner.

Add in the construction work on the Mercier Bridge, the demolition of part of the Bonaventure Expressway, and the hundreds of smaller construction sites around Montreal, and it's obvious that driving is not the easiest way to get around.

It's leading to a lot of frustration on the roads.

"People have become very impatient with reason," said Leckner. "Impatience leads to frustration to erratic driving such as running red lights. I see everyday people just don't care."

Emergency vehicles are also having a hard time getting around.

At Montreal's main fire station crews are keeping a constant eye on traffic and planning alternate routes to avoid road closures.

But even then, they are finding that drivers are not promptly getting out the way of emergency vehicles.

"Keep in mind we're on our way to help somebody that's in need of assistance and seconds count," said Firefighter Richard Liebman.

Transport Quebec understands the complaints, but insists the work must get done.

The agency suggests people who must get around take the metro, or expect to wait a long time.

"Road users have to avoid the area," said Nomba Danielle. "They have to plan their trips ahead by vising the Turcot website, by going to 511."

The demolition of the St. Jacques bridge will continue next weekend -- and the demolition of the eastern portion of the bridge will take place this autumn.

And of course, the demolition is not the final step.

The St. Jacques bridge will have to be rebuilt, one metre lower than the existing roadway in order to accommodate the new Turcot Interchange.