Traffic on Route 138, which is closely patrolled by the Sûreté du Québec, is fluid, but vehicles can still travel up to four kilometers from the basilica before making a detour.
• Also read: Great Papal Mass: already hundreds of pilgrims in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
• Also read: [EN DIRECT] Papal Mass in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: Follow the developments of the day
- Listen to Alexandre Dubé’s interview with Richard Kistabish, former chief of the Abitibiwinni First Nation, on QUB radio:
On the Boulevard Sainte-Anne it is forbidden for heavy vehicles, motorhomes and caravans. Cars wishing to head east can still get much closer to the basilica than expected before being forced to take a detour.
Photo Didier Debusschere
A first checkpoint to divert trucks, campers and trailers was set up by SQ agents at the Côte de l’Eglise in Boischatel. However, motorists can continue east to Rue Paré, just four kilometers upstream from the Basilica of Sainte-Anne, where Pope Francis is expected at 10am.
Buses of pilgrims attending Mass can go directly to the Basilica after stopping at the various checkpoints. SQ patrol cars and police are stationed at all traffic lights on the boulevard.
Photo Didier Debusschere
No heavy vehicle was stopped there while waiting for the road to reopen.
Westbound closed
However, the western lane of the 138 is closed to traffic. According to the original plan, the 138 should be closed from the rue des Montagnards in Beaupré, a detour of almost seven kilometers.
Various convoys of dignitaries, surrounded by SQ motorcyclists, headed towards the Basilica but in the western lanes.