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Plans to revamp a five-kilometre stretch of Highway 132 between Saint-Constant, Sainte-Catherine and Delson on Montreal’s South Shore appear to be moving forward.
Premier Christine Fréchette announced the creation of a project office during a news conference in the riding of Sanguinet on Saturday.
“This is a vital corridor for the South Shore and residents are asking us to take action to improve traffic flow and safety,” she said.
The goal is to transform the stretch of highway — between Highway 30 in Sainte-Catherine and Principale Street in Delson — into an urban boulevard. The aim is to have two lanes of traffic in both directions and a reserved lane for public transit, as well as sidewalks and space for active transit options.
The province first added the project in its 10-year infrastructure plan back in 2019 and it is currently listed as under study for projects valued at $100 million or more.
The project office will be tasked with resuming discussions with partners, structuring the consultation process with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and continuing the opportunity assessment process.
Their work is expected to be finished by the end of 2027, according to the premier.
The plan is to have two lanes of traffic in both directions on a five-kilometre stretch of Highway 132, as well as options for public transit and active modes of transportation. (Radio-Canada)
“It will be transformational,” Fréchette said of the project, adding it will provide opportunities for residential and commercial development as well.
“As far as I’m concerned, this project is just as much a real estate development project as it is a transportation project,” she said.
Local-area mayors welcomed the announcement and see it as a decisive step forward in a project they say is long overdue.
Reconfiguration plans date back more than 50 years, when some parcels of land were first expropriated.
Delson Mayor Christian Ouellette, recounted how his parents’ home was expropriated in 1970.
Today’s announcement, he said, sends a clear message: “we are moving forward.”
Quebec’s Transport Minister Benoit Charette acknowledged the long delays and said he knows the region is impatient to see the project come to life.
He added there is a silver lining and had the project been done earlier there wouldn’t have been talk about incorporating public transit and active modes of transportation.
Charette said the province has already conducted a few studies on the transportation needs for the area.
“Next year we’ll be able to say the price, the time frame and the final picture of the situation,” Charette said.
In the past — the Grand Chief of Kahnawà:ke has raised concerns about how his community was being consulted.
Cody Diabo says now — the the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is an active partner in the project.
“This is definitely a better approach for all, communication upfront , being involved upfront, explaining our issues and our positions and then trying to find a middle ground for all,” he said.