Montreal continues to face persistent construction gridlock, with new data showing the situation worsening in key areas. A recent report named “Maximum Blockage” highlights ongoing challenges in managing construction sites across the city. Co-presented by The Montreal Chamber of Commerce and Tourisme Montréal, this updated study paints a grim picture of insufficient infrastructure, overwhelmed roadways, and a lack of coordination within the municipal administration.
The heart of downtown, especially Ville-Marie, is particularly affected, with a significant portion of roads in poor condition. The report reveals that over 1,200 km of roadways urgently need maintenance or reconstruction, emphasizing the magnitude of the issue. While there has been a slight decrease in obstructed arteries downtown, the underlying structural issues persist, leading to prolonged disruptions and inconveniences for commuters.
The proliferation of orange cones on city streets has become a symbolic representation of Montreal’s construction woes, with their numbers steadily increasing in recent years. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike are facing challenges navigating the city due to ongoing construction activities. The report also criticizes the chaotic traffic management and the laissez-faire attitude towards construction site operations, exacerbating the gridlock.
Despite these challenges, the report proposes leveraging Montreal’s technological expertise in AI and engineering to enhance construction site management. The authors emphasize the need for proactive measures to address the construction crisis and improve urban mobility. They call for the establishment of a dedicated “construction site crisis unit” within the city administration to streamline planning and execution of construction projects.
In a joint statement, Chamber of Commerce president Isabelle Dessureault and Tourisme Montréal president and CEO Yves Lalumière highlighted the urgency of taking concrete actions to alleviate the city’s construction gridlock. They stressed the importance of embracing innovative solutions to transform Montreal’s construction landscape and enhance the overall urban experience.
