No Relief Expected Anytime Soon
The traffic situation in Greater Montreal affecting the already crowded borough of Parc-Extension has reached extreme levels this year, with the return to school and work creating chaos on the roads. Drivers are finding themselves stuck in massive traffic jams, especially during peak hours, and Wednesday saw the worst of it so far.
Local traffic announcers have described the current conditions as unprecedented. “It’s absolutely unbearable. I’ve never seen it this bad,” noted one commentator. A combination of poorly coordinated roadworks, a surge in vehicles, the return to in-person work, unreliable public transport, and construction projects all over the city have led to complete gridlock.
Construction and Major Bottlenecks
Particularly frustrating for drivers are the ongoing works on Bonaventure Street before the Champlain Bridge and on Bridge Street after the Victoria Bridge. These two key access points for South Shore commuters are causing severe delays. “It used to be a delay of an hour, but now it’s total chaos. I don’t even use these routes anymore,” mentioned one driver.
Since the end of the pandemic, more people have returned to the roads, and what used to be quick commutes have now stretched by at least 30 minutes or more. This increase in traffic affects neighborhoods across the city, including areas like Parc-Extension, where many residents rely on public transport or use nearby congested roads like Jean-Talon and Acadie.
Economic Impact and Frustrations
The congestion has also hit those who make a living on the road. In areas such as Parc-Extension, taxi drivers report long waits before picking up passengers. “People don’t want to take taxis anymore because sitting in traffic adds too much to the fare,” explained one driver. As a result, many passengers are turning to cheaper ride-sharing options, which are often quicker and less expensive, even during heavy traffic.
This shift has been difficult for traditional taxi drivers, especially in neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where many rely on quick, affordable transportation. Drivers are finding it harder to make a decent income, with some saying that despite starting work early in the morning, they barely manage to pick up passengers due to the gridlock.
Rising Tensions on the Road
The growing traffic is also leading to rising frustration among drivers. “People are losing patience fast. Everyone is cutting each other off, and that just makes things worse,” observed one commentator. This impatience is turning an already stressful situation into a daily battle on the road.
A Long Road Ahead
Unfortunately, the traffic issues in Montreal are far from over. With major construction projects still ongoing, including the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge and the Louis-Hyppolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel, drivers are likely to face gridlock for years to come.
