Best route through Montreal heading eastward (construction, calculating, train) - City-Data Forum

dougbennion · 08-07-2011, 07:17 PM

Hi Montrealers. Usually I take the train to Montreal from Toronto, but this summer I'm heading straight through on my way to PEI. I've heard of some recent traffic issues, particularly a tunnel that is falling apart.

When I have done this previously, I've taken ON 401 to 40 to 25 south and through that tunnel. One time I continued on 40 to the highway on the north shore of the St Lawrence, and crossed at Quebec City. I have friends who swear by taking 20 and a bridge crossing.

If you were me, which route is the most hassle-free, on average? I realize time-of-day might be important.

Thanks for your help!

jambo101 · 08-08-2011, 03:11 AM

Going through Montreal by the 40 will still subject you to potential traffic tie ups.
If you dont mind taking the 20 to Quebec city heres how i would do it
Zoom in for greater clarification.
Boulevard Monseigneur-Langlois/QC-201 N to Autoroute 20 E - Google Maps

Acajack · 08-08-2011, 07:05 AM

Jambo's route sounds good for avoiding high-traffic areas but it seems like there would be a lot of city boulevards and streets with stoplights.

I would suggest this route which is all autoroute but would avoid crossing the heart of Montreal Island on the 40.

Off the 20 near Quebec City, take the 73N (Pont Pierre Laporte) across to Quebec City.

Then take the 540 (short bit) to the 40 towards Trois-Rivières and Montréal.

As you approach Montréal from the east on the 40, take the 25 and then the 440 across Laval. Near the end of the 440 take the 13S back onto the western end of Montreal Island. Then take the 40 westbound toward Ottawa-Gatineau until you get just off the island, where you take the 540 for a very short bit until you get to the exit for the 20 (Toronto and 401).

Sounds more complicated than it really is.

Acajack · 08-08-2011, 12:30 PM

Sorry, forgot a bit there: before the "25 to 440" bit around the east end of Montreal, you have to take the 640 for a short bit. Then 25 and 440.

Acajack · 08-09-2011, 07:57 AM

And I just realize that I gave you the directions in reverse!

Anyway, it's all the same in the other direction...

dougbennion · 08-09-2011, 10:05 PM

Thanks very much guys for the options! I'll maybe take one route going, and one coming, and let you know later which one takes less time.

jambo101 · 08-11-2011, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acajack

Jambo's route sounds good for avoiding high-traffic areas but it seems like there would be a lot of city boulevards and streets with stoplights.

.

There are a few lights in Valleyfield (About 6)but usually if you are doing the speed limit they all sync to green.one in St Timothy, 1 in Melocheville and 2 in Chateauguay then you're on Auto route 30 and no more lights till PEI

Basically from Valleyfield to Chateauguay you are on rt132(20 miles) With minimal traffic even in rush hour, and what traffic there is moves along fairly quickly (80-90kph)..
For future Montreal bypassers let us know what you think..
Good trip eh!

dougbennion · 09-17-2011, 08:07 PM

Just reporting back after my trip Toronto-PEI and back, trying to avoid the worst of the Montreal traffic.

Toronto to PEI I took rt 132 to the south of the island. I hit 132 about 10 AM, traffic wasn't too bad but there was a LOT of roadwork with many detours. Good thing I had a GPS unit, which kept yelling 'recalculating .. recalculating .. ' but eventually got us through to 20. On a scale of 10, with 10 good,
I'd rate that route as a 3.

PEI to Toronto, I crossed to 40 at Quebec City and took the 440 route north of the island. We hit Montreal about 3:30 PM. That route was about 20 kms longer, but was multi-lane all the way. I'd rate that route as a 5.

If there hadn't been so much roadwork on the southerly route, it would have been a closer contest.

Thanks for your help!

jambo101 · 09-18-2011, 04:14 AM

Sorry if my directions of taking the south shore were not to your liking, there is a bit of construction in St Timothy (new overpass) and more construction in Chateauguay (More hwy 30 stuff) but traffic flows right through it and doesnt result in mile long traffic jams like routes going through the city..,
On your return trip through Montreal on the 440 at weekday rush hour was a gutsy call glad you got through no problem, bet the traffic going the other way was thought provoking for future reference.. looking on a positive note had you tried to span Montreal via the 20 you'd probably still be stuck in traffic