Summer has officially arrived, which means it's time for motorists to cope with a series of construction projects that have begun across the province.
"Drivers who feel like there's construction everywhere are certainly not dreaming. We counted half a dozen (projects) just on our way to this site here at the corner of Cote des Neiges and Queen Mary," said CTV Montreal reporter Annie DeMelt.
"This is just one of 15 major sites all over the city of Montreal this summer, and that's only the beginning."
Drivers and merchants alike told DeMelt they were frustrated by the work on Cote des Neiges Rd., which began after a water main break in April.
"It's very slow, you can't park anywhere, you can't really go anywhere," said one motorist.
Meanwhile, a merchant said the construction has led to a decline in business.
"It's very problematic. We've probably lost between 10 and 20 percent of our income, so it's terrible."
But city councillor Helen Fotopulos said the city has assisted merchants should be thinking long-term.
"If we don't take care of it, the problem will get worse –- and this particular work was something the merchants have requested for a long time," Fotopulos said.
Record-breaking amount spend on roadwork
In addition to separate undertakings by the city, Transport Quebec workers will tackle 58 sites on major roads and highways on the island.
The Federal Bridge Corporation is also orchestrating major projects, including maintenance work on the Champlain Bridge. It's a 10-year project that will cost $212 million.
Despite the fact that there are fewer projects than last summer, Transport Quebec says it is spending a record-breaking $450 million on construction this year.
The massive investment is a direct result of the De la Concorde overpass collapse in Laval, in 2006, said spokesperson Mario St. Pierre.
The overpass collapse killed five people and injured six others.
For a map of construction sites across the province, click here.
