Major construction work takes place on the Champlain Bridge this weekend as crews install support structures undernearth the span.
This is the second of three work blitzes needed for the bridge this fall.
The closures caused lines of traffic stretching four kilometres long, motorists waiting more than an hour to get their destinations.
"We came from downtown this morning we went for breakfast, and it took me an hour and a quarter just to cross," said one person.
From Friday evening until Sunday morning, Highway 132 will be closed in both directions as crews work on the part of of the bridge that goes over the highway.
The plan was for two Montreal-bound lanes to be closed from Friday evening until Sunday morning and two South Shore-bound lanes will be closed from Friday evening until Saturday evening.
However, strong winds forecast for Sunday have forced crews to accelerate their schedule and close more lanes at the same time.
The bridge corporation says two lanes heading to Montreal will be opened Saturday afternoon to facilitate access to downtown for those going to the Canadiens game. All the affected lanes will be reopen by Sunday morning.
The third phase of the work blitz on the Champlain will take place Nov. 7 and 8. That weekend all Montreal-bound lanes on the bridge will be closed.
The Champlain Bridge is undergoing major work to keep it stable enough to last while its replacement is constructed
