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How to escape from Montreal for the construction holiday

How to escape from Montreal for the construction holiday

Every summer, Montreal becomes impossible to navigate as the infamous orange cones take over the city. They make finding an escape route that involves minimal idling in traffic seem like a Herculean feat.

As the annual construction holiday begins, many Montrealers will be looking for ways to do just that — get out of the city.

If you're heading north, you're in luck because your routes will generally be free of major traffic hindrances.

But heading south is a whole other story. Here's a rundown of the best and worst ways to escape from Montreal this weekend. There are issues with every option, but some routes are better than others.

Mercier Bridge: AVOID

Work to replace decks on the bridge has the span down to one lane in each direction, making traffic harder to predict. If you can avoid this bridge, do so.

Champlain Bridge: OK

No specific closures on the bridge itself, just the usual traffic with people trying to avoid the Mercier Bridge thrown in to the mix.

The issue will be getting to the bridge if you take the Décarie Expressway. Crews are dismantling the St-Jacques overpasss and so access to the highway will be limited in the southbound direction this weekend. Some entrances will be off-limits starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday

Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel: OK

No major work in the tunnel itself, but traffic in the area can be rough at times.

Victoria Bridge: OK

One lane in each direction is available on the Victoria Bridge outside of rush hour. From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., both lanes head towards Montreal from the South Shore, and from 3 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. both lanes are available to get out of Montreal. This could be a pretty good option depending on what time you're heading out.

Jacques-Cartier Bridge: Likely the safest bet

The bridge itself is closed every Wednesday and Saturday night from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for the fireworks competition at La Ronde.

Roadwork in the area on Papineau and de Lorimier avenues has led to slowdowns on the approach to the bridge as well as while entering the city from the bridge, but it's probably your best option.