About
Emblematic structure, the Jacques Cartier Bridge is an icon of Greater Montreal. Inaugurated in 1930, this five-lane bridge links Montreal to Longueuil and provides access to Île Sainte-Hélène.
Opening: May 1930
Construction cost: estimated at $23 million (1929)
Traffic flow: 30,5 million passings (2015)
Weekdays
Morning rush hour from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.*
- Three lanes open towards Montreal
- Two lanes open towards the South Shore
Daytime from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Two lanes open towards Montreal
- Two lanes open towards the South Shore
- Daytime, weekdays, maintenance works is frequently occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the fifth lane
Evening rush hour from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.*
- Three lanes open towards the South Shore
- Two lanes open towards Montreal
Evening/night from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
- Closure of the central lane from 7:30 p.m., after rush hour
- One lane open in each direction from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. when there is little traffic
- Some lanes are closed late at night as a safety measure because there is no central median on Jacques Cartier Bridge.
Weekends
- Two lanes open in each direction (closure of the central lane)
- A third lane is open in either direction based on traffic needs
*These periods are subject to change according to the flow of traffic.
Vehicles
Vehicles less than 15 metres (less than 50 feet) in length: AUTORISED on the Jacques Cartier bridge AND on the access ramps leading to Parc Jean-Drapeau
Vehicles over 15 metres (over 50 feet) in length: AUTORISED on the Jacques Cartier Bridge, but PROHIBITED on the access ramps leading to Parc Jean-Drapeau (prohibition effective since July 27, 2020)
Started in 1925, the bridge construction took four years. The work was done so quickly that the contractors delivered the bridge in December 1929 instead of May 1931, or nearly a year and a half earlier than expected.
The construction cost was approximately $23 million (1929), including expropriation expenses and the approaches on the fill sections.
Over the past 20 years, major repairs have been preserved the structure’s integrity and ensured that the bridge remains safe.
Full redecking of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, 2001 – 2002
- First design-build project conducted in Canada on existing infrastructure
- Design Award from the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) for “Best Rehabilitated Bridge” in North America
Painting of the steel structure, 1989 – 2000
- Full repainting of the structure
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