Montreal’s Traffic Woes: Challenges Beyond Orange Cones and Detours
Navigating through a sea of orange cones, detours, and gridlock has become a frustrating norm for many Montreal residents. As the city races to repair its aging infrastructure, concerns are mounting over the prolonged duration and poor coordination of the ongoing construction work.
Expressing the exasperation felt by numerous Montrealers, one resident remarked, “Driving has become quite a rough experience lately.” Another voiced their discontent, stating, “Constant road work and endless signs – it’s been weeks, and nothing seems to improve.”
According to traffic consultant Rick Leckner, the prevalent frustration is valid, highlighting that Montreal’s mobility challenges extend beyond the surplus of construction cones. “The term ‘mobility’ is somewhat misleading; our city’s traffic flow lacks efficiency and fluidity,” Leckner explained.
Addressing the critical issue of coordination, Leckner criticized the lack of oversight in project management, emphasizing the need for enhanced accountability. “There seems to be a lack of proper coordination in overseeing these activities, despite official statements suggesting otherwise,” Leckner added.
While public transit alternatives are available, disruptions such as breakdowns or strikes contribute to commuters’ dwindling trust in these systems. The city’s significant investments in projects like the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) have yet to yield promised results, further eroding public confidence in alternative transportation methods.
With the upcoming municipal election on November 2, candidates are proposing various solutions, ranging from appointing a construction czar to leveraging AI for smarter planning strategies.
Urban planning expert Pierre Barrieau stressed the importance of improved coordination and proactive communication in addressing Montreal’s traffic challenges. Barrieau advocated for advance notifications of impending construction projects to allow businesses and residents to adjust their plans accordingly, mitigating disruptions and minimizing economic impacts.
Despite the desire for reduced construction activities, Barrieau emphasized that short-term inconveniences are inevitable as Montreal strives to rectify years of neglected infrastructure. “To combat the issue of excessive construction, we paradoxically need to undertake more projects to catch up with the backlog accumulated over decades,” Barrieau noted.
While orange cones continue to dominate Montreal’s landscape, the next elected official must convince residents of their commitment to enhancing traffic flow and alleviating congestion.
Reflecting on potential solutions, a resident emphasized the need to prioritize road space over bike lanes to alleviate traffic congestion. Another individual highlighted the significance of providing adequate parking spaces to reduce road clutter and enhance overall mobility.
