Devastating Potholes Disrupt Montreal’s Route 136 in Viger Tunnel

The deteriorating condition of Route 136 in Montreal has led to significant disruptions, particularly in the Viger Tunnel area. This was evident on Wednesday morning when multiple flat tires were reported, prompting several vehicle towings.

Incident Overview

According to Sûreté du Québec, starting around 5:30 AM, several incidents were reported at kilometer 6 of Route 136, heading west. By 6:20 AM, Transports Québec informed the public on their social media channel about the first vehicle breakdown near Avenue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, followed by another report at 7:30 AM.

Impact on Traffic

“I don’t have the exact number, but there were a few vehicles towed,” said Louis-André Bertrand, a spokesperson for Transports Québec. He noted that the current thawing period tends to create numerous potholes, which has led to a heightened response from the ministry, with teams working around the clock to conduct repairs.

Pothole Repair Operations

• The day prior saw similar repair efforts at the entrance of the Ville-Marie Tunnel.
• At 7:28 AM on Wednesday, a new pothole repair initiative was announced near Avenue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville.
• As a result, two lanes were closed, leading to significant traffic congestion.

Bertrand emphasized that potholes are more likely to appear near ramps, especially during thaw periods. He urged motorists to reduce their speed on this section of Route 136, where the speed limit is 70 km/h. Drivers are also encouraged to report potholes by calling 511.

Key Statistics

As Montreal continues to grapple with its road conditions, the focus remains on addressing the frequent resurfacing needs amid seasonal changes. The situation underscores the importance of road safety and the need for ongoing maintenance to prevent such disruptions.