Montreal is bracing for a rough weekend of hot weather and extensive road closures. Here is everything you need to know.
Heat Warning
Environment Canada warned Friday of a dangerous heat wave expected to settle over Southern Quebec, lasting all weekend. “A warm and humid air mass has settled over Southern Quebec. The high heat and humidity will remain until Saturday. Humidex values will reach 40 to 45,” the agency warned.
People are advised to remain vigilant, especially with respect to vulnerable people. Last summer, a similar heat wave caused many deaths, mainly elderly people who were left in their homes without air conditioning and were never visited by friends or family. Citizens are being asked to check on their family, friends and neighbours who may be in dangerous situations.
Plan to visit and check up on loved ones (neighbours, children and family), especially those who suffer from a loss of autonomy, from a chronic disease or those who live alone, in order to ensure they are cool and not dehydrated. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors.
Other safety tips include drinking plenty of water and not leaving pets alone in parked vehicles.
Road Closures
Ongoing construction and renovation work on our infrastructures will force multiple road closures again this weekend. In addition, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge will close for part of the night Saturday to accommodate the International des Feux Loto-Québec at La Ronde.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Turcot: the following ramps will be completely closed. 15-S from Décarie to Champlain; 136-W from Exit 5 to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Boulevard; 15-N and 15-S toward 20-W; 20-E and 136-E to Ville-Marie; 20-E to 15-N. ALL CLOSURES are from 11:59pm Friday to 5am Monday. Map of the area.
Jacques-Cartier: the bridge closes completely from 8:30pm to 11:30pm for the fireworks. In addition, the exit and access ramps to and from the 132 and 134 will close completely from 10pm Friday to 5am Monday. Map of the area.
Bonaventure: Exit 3 towards S-de-Champlain is closed 11:59pm Friday to 9am Saturday; a detour will be put in place via Exit 4 to access the S-de-Champlain. Map of the area.