The closure of the Pitfield bridges in Montreal has caused frustration and inconvenience for many West Islanders who rely on them to access Highway 13. Alarming cracks were discovered during an inspection, leading city authorities to shut down the 50-year-old structures indefinitely. Motorists have expressed their frustration at the sudden closure and the lack of advance notice, with many struggling to find alternative routes to their destinations. Local mayors have criticized the city’s handling of the situation and expressed concerns about the impact on residents in their boroughs.
City of Montreal spokesperson Philippe Sabourin explained that the decision to close the bridges completely was made after initial measures to lighten the load by closing one lane on each span proved insufficient. Teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage and taking samples to determine the true state of the infrastructure. The closure is expected to last at least a week, causing chaos for residents who rely on the bridges to access downtown and other parts of the island. Mayor Jim Beis of Pierrefonds-Roxboro criticized the lack of coordination and communication from the city, highlighting the challenges faced by residents as a result of the closure.
The closure has also raised concerns about the impact on surrounding areas, with several other construction sites in the vicinity exacerbating the situation. The city has proposed alternative routes for residents, including going west on Gouin and taking Sunnybrooke through Dollard des Ormeaux to Highway 40 to reach the 13. However, Mayor Alex Bottausci of DDO expressed his frustration at the lack of advance notice and the increased traffic that will be funneled through his residential suburb. The closure is expected to cause significant disruptions during rush hour, further adding to the chaos and inconvenience experienced by residents.
The situation has led to calls for better coordination and communication between the City of Montreal and local municipalities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and minimize disruptions for residents. The closure of the Pitfield bridges has highlighted the challenges faced by West Islanders in accessing key routes and the need for proactive measures to address infrastructure issues to avoid similar situations in the future. Residents are hopeful that the “indefinite” closure will be resolved soon so they can resume their regular commute without further delays. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of critical infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
