Summary#
Montréal city council approved an agreement with Quebec’s Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité Durable (Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility) for repairs to the Lacordaire Boulevard overpass above Highway 40 in Saint-Léonard. It also authorized a city contribution of $827,820, taxes included. City staff say the goal is to coordinate repairs to parts of the bridge that are the responsibility of both governments.
- The ministry will lead the project, including the tender for construction work; no construction contract has yet been awarded.
- The city’s work includes repairs to bridge railings, sidewalks and the concrete median, replacing lighting on and under the bridge, and moving traffic lights on the bridge.
- The ministry is responsible for structural parts, including the foundations and deck. The city is responsible for surface features and some nearby road and traffic-light work.
- Work is planned for 2026 and 2027. City staff say at least two lanes in each direction on Lacordaire Boulevard and a pedestrian corridor will remain open; work over the highway will require overnight closures, one direction at a time.
What it means for you#
- People travelling through the area: Expect construction impacts during the planned work. City staff say one lane in each direction will remain open on the service roads under the bridge.
- City taxpayers: The city will pay its share of the project. The ministry will initially pay for the work and services, then bill the city.
- Residents and businesses: The decision does not change eligibility for a service, create a new benefit, or impose a new fee or fine.
Money#
The city authorized an estimated contribution of $827,820, taxes included; the estimated cost after federal and provincial tax rebates is $755,910.
- The full project is estimated to cost $14,327,034.75, taxes included. The city’s share is about 5.8%.
- The city’s contribution is for design and construction, including related costs. It is planned in the city’s 2026–2035 capital program and charged to existing borrowing bylaw 19-008.
- The final cost is not known until the work is done. City staff say they will seek additional funds if the city’s share exceeds the estimate.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s full text and its Annex B, which sets out the cost-sharing details, were not supplied. The summary does not show the detailed division of costs or all obligations.
- The construction tender is planned for winter 2026, so the winning bid and final construction cost are not yet known.
- The exact timing and duration of closures and other travel disruptions are not given.
Case for#
- City staff say the bridge is deteriorated, especially its deck, and needs repair.
- Coordinating the city’s and ministry’s work could avoid separate projects and reduce disruption for road users, according to city staff.
- The ministry’s lead role brings the work on the parts it is responsible for together with the city’s repairs.
Case against#
- The city’s contribution could rise if the final costs are higher; staff say additional funds would then be requested.
- The work is expected to involve overnight highway closures and reduced lanes on the service roads.
- The available materials do not provide the agreement’s full terms, making it difficult to assess the detailed cost-sharing and responsibilities.