Hundreds of people, including environmentalists and community activists, gathered Sunday afternoon to protest plans to rebuild the Turcot Interchange.
They met at 1:30 in front of the Lionel Groulx metro station and proceeded to march through the streets of St. Henri.
At least 160 homes in St. Henri, in the city's Southwest borough, would be expropriated in the process of rebuilding the interchange.
"To move all these people from an area where they've been living all their lives -- where are they going to go?" asked John Federico, who moved to the neighbourhood three years ago.
Some said they were upset that the Home Depot on St. Antoine St. W. would not have to move.
"They don't want to fight a big company, but they'll fight little innocent people that own a house," said one protester.
Protesters also said they're worried about the environmental impact of the project, citing concerns about increased traffic and elevated greenhouse gas levels.
Instead of better highways, residents said they want better public transit.
"We should develop better train systems and better subway systems. It's a great opportunity we have to make this happen," said protester John Schwinghamer.
The demonstration comes just days ahead of Earth Day, which takes place on Wednesday, April 22.
Aging structure is crumbling
First opened for Expo 67, the interchange is now used by some 280,000 vehicles daily -- including 28,000 trucks.
Four decades later, the concrete structure is gradually crumbling.
The demolition of the elevated network of highways and access ramps is slated to begin only after a new ground level interchange is completed.
Construction of the new interchange is expected to start by the end of the year.
The seven-year project would cost an estimated $1.5 billion.
Public consultation
Residents will have another chance to express their views on the project at a public meeting on Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m., at 75 Sir George �tienne Cartier Sq., in St. Henri.
