UPDATE | The full closure of the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge tunnel planned for the Grand Prix weekend has finally been cancelled, MTQ announced. The usual hurdles remain.
The bridge tunnel linking the South Shore to Montreal will be completely closed over the weekend as the city expects thousands of visitors for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
“A complete closure of a portion of Autoroute 25 toward the South Shore, including the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel, as well as ramp closures at Interchange 20 and 30, will be instituted over the weekend of June 17 through 20,” the Quebec Department of Transportation said in a press release.
These closures will come into effect from 12:30am Friday night through Saturday and last until 5am Monday morning.
According to the government, the closures are necessary with the aim of installing a working platform in the tunnel and starting work related to the construction of signal bridges at the 20 and 30 motorway junction.
The news triggered a wave of dissatisfaction among users on social networks. Several pointed out the lack of reflection.
“A great way to show all the tourists that will be in town for the Grand Prix what Montreal is like! They will definitely want to come back to visit our city,” commented one woman.
“Not a good idea with Father’s Day and big prizes,” adds one of them.
Others hope the government will reverse the move.
“Hoping that that will change tomorrow, as so often happens,” wrote one user on Facebook.
According to Radio Circulation 730 columnist Philippe Lague, that plan could actually change.
“Will they decide to postpone the work for a week, it’s possible, it will happen. releases change daily,” he told the Journal.
listen The Dutrizac-Dumont meeting on the microphone of Philippe-Vincent Foisy on QUB radio: