Major Transit Disruptions for Montreal Weekend
Montreal residents and visitors planning their weekend travel should prepare for significant public transit interruptions, although road conditions are expected to be relatively smooth for drivers. The most notable disruption affects the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) network, which will see a complete service suspension during the weekend.
REM Service Completely Suspended
The REM light rail system will not run at all on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, as final testing is conducted to prepare for the launch of the new Deux-Montagnes branch scheduled for November 17. The shutdown will also affect service during evening hours on Friday and Monday.
Final departures from Brossard are scheduled for 9:20 p.m. on Friday and 8:20 p.m. on Monday, while the last trains from Central Station will depart at 9:40 p.m. on Friday and 8:40 p.m. on Monday. Replacement shuttle buses will operate between stations during the REM closure, though the 568 shuttle between Central Station and Île-des-Soeurs will be affected by the ongoing STM strike.
Highway Closures Minimal
For those opting to drive, the weekend brings relatively few major highway disruptions. Only a couple of specific exits will be closed:
The eastbound exit for Anciens-Combattants Blvd. on Highway 40 will be closed from 11:30 p.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Monday.
In Terrebonne, the westbound exit for Montée des Pionniers on Highway 640 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.
Ongoing Transit and Infrastructure Work
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) continues to operate under strike conditions. Unless a resolution is reached with its maintenance union, the STM will not run buses or métro service except during rush hours and after 11 p.m. until November 28. Commuters are advised to check stm.info for specific departure times.
Several other infrastructure projects continue to affect Montreal transportation:
Highway 10: A westbound lane on the Bonaventure Expressway remains closed between the Victoria Bridge and Wellington St. until December. The Clément Bridge to Nuns' Island continues contraflow traffic with one lane in each direction.
Highway 19: The Papineau-Leblanc Bridge maintains two lanes in each direction, with partial or complete nighttime closures expected until the end of 2026.
Highway 40: The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge operates with five lanes total—two in each direction plus one alternating lane during rush hours. The westbound exit for Senneville Rd. remains closed until December.
Urban Road Closures: Several significant street closures continue, including Ste-Catherine St. between de la Montagne St. and Peel St., and between Pierce St. and Mackay St. for major renovation work continuing until winter. The St-Urbain St. overpass above the Ville-Marie Expressway remains closed for long-term renovations until the end of 2026.
