The upcoming weekend will see the closure of the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge and a segment of Highway 40 connecting Montreal’s West Island to Vaudreuil-Dorion. The closure, scheduled from 11:59 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday, will impact businesses in Vaudreuil-Dorion during the busy Black Friday shopping period.
Local business owners in Vaudreuil-Dorion are expressing concerns about the bridge closure affecting their sales. Lucie Bourbonnais, owner of La Ribouldingue, shared her frustrations, stating, “To close the bridge on a crucial Black Friday weekend is incredibly challenging for us. As a toy and games business, we rely heavily on the holiday season for our revenue.”
The closure is necessary for Transport Quebec to modify the lane configuration on Highway 40 in Senneville and facilitate the ongoing reconstruction of concrete slabs on the highway. During this time, tolls on Highway 30 will be waived.
Business owners like Brigitte Leblanc of La frite à Brigitte and Valérie Desjardins of Boutique L’effet Bulles anticipate a decrease in foot traffic and sales due to the closure. Frédérick Perrier, from the local Chamber of Commerce, expressed concerns about the timing of the closure coinciding with the crucial holiday shopping season.
Residents in the area also shared their thoughts on the impact of the bridge closure. Some voiced frustration about the inconvenience of taking alternative routes, while others emphasized the importance of ensuring safety by conducting necessary infrastructure work.
Transport Quebec emphasizes the urgency of the reconstruction work to prepare for the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, which will necessitate the permanent closure of the current structure by the end of 2026.
