Residents losing patience with delays of new bridge on Ile Bizard
Ile Bizard's newly-elected mayor, Doug Hurley, is a retired police commander who says Montreal hasn't properly addressed how to manage traffic for the 18,000 people who live in his borough.
The city is building a new bridge to replace the current one, which has reached the end of its life. But the construction work has dramatically reduced traffic flow with no alternative route to reach the island.
"It basically means if you're a resident here between the hours of roughly 3:30 till 6:30 at night, you're going to be delayed 20 minutes to almost 50 minutes in traffic for about 300 yards, which is ridiculous," said
The Jacques-Bizard bridge is the only way to get on or off the island. A police officer at each end of the bridge now directs traffic but the mayor says it's no longer enough, especially for the safety of pedestrians.
"The problem is car (drivers) are getting impatient. They cut between pedestrians," he said, adding that he fears a tragedy could be looming.
Hurley is asking the city to force the contractor to find a way to open two lanes during rush hour and to add more traffic police. Former borough councillor Robert Samoszewski, who used to be part of the Valerie Plante administration, agrees the city didn't live up to its promise of providing better traffic flow.
"I don't understand why they've dropped the ball. And essentially that's what it is to me. We need more police directing traffic," Samoszewski said.
Hurley says the police department regularly assigns cadets — who are police academy recruits without authority to issue tickets — and says aggressive motorists often ignore them. But the City of Montreal says it can’t do much right now.
The city’s engineers say opening two lanes is simply not an option. A major portion of the road work will be completed in late May, which will likely allow the opening of an additional lane.
But what’s even more frustrating for people from Ile Bizard is that the construction of the new bridge was supposed to be completed this year. Unfortunately, engineers stumbled upon a major problem while doing the work — they will have to reinstall a pillar, which is expected to delay the project by up to a year.
Local residents have had just about enough.
"With all this, we're thinking of selling the house and all that," said a mother of a teenager told CTV News as they walked out of a local store.
Businesses are also suffering because of traffic and detours. A bakery owner who would only identify himself as Giuseppe says the impact of the detours has reduced business in a nearby strip mall by up to 40 per cent.
But there's another headache looming. An international golf tournament, the President’s Cup, will take place in September at the Royal Montreal Golf Club of Montreal, located on Ile Bizard. It’s expected to attract golf fans, stars and celebrities from around the world.
"I won't only have 18,000 [residents]. I'll have 30,000 per day additional people coming on the island," said Hurley.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.