3 more years of major work coming near Berri-UQAM metro

The massive construction hole on Maisonneuve Boulevard has caused the strip of road to be blocked for almost two years.

After major construction work that lasted two years, three more years of work is set to begin in January in Montreal’s Latin Quarter.

Starting in January, the span of Berri Street between Ontario and Sainte-Catherine streets, as well as part of De Maisonneuve Boulevard between Saint-Denis and Saint-Christophe streets, will see major disruptions due to construction in and around Berri-UQAM metro station.

The work, which will be undertaken by Pomerleau Inc., is estimated to cost just over $65.5 million and scheduled to end in December 2028, meaning three years of orange cones, massive holes and traffic backup around the Latin Quarter.

The City of Montreal ($22,157,871.39), the Société de transport de Montréal ($27,709,982.84), the Montreal electric services commission (CSEM) ($15,537,074.71) and Bell, the parent company of CTV News, ($101,994.57) will foot the bill.

Phase two of the project began in 2022 and ended in 2024.

The Berri-UQAM station is entering its seventh decade of service, and its roof needs rehabilitating to ensure long-term waterproofing and prevent leaks, the city said.

In addition, obsolete infrastructure needs upgrading.

“In order to carry out this work, the STM will have to completely demolish the infrastructure located above or in the immediate vicinity of the station,” the city said in a document explaining the work.

“This work will also require the reconstruction of a large part of the municipal infrastructure, including the sewer, water and urban technical networks (RTU) within the project perimeter. The work will involve opening up streets to almost their full width, extending to the facades of adjacent buildings.”

As part of the work, Berri Street and De Maisonneuve Avenue will be redeveloped.

“It is an integral part of efforts to modernize public infrastructure and improve the quality of life for citizens,” the city said.

In addition, new underground power supply networks and a new drainage station and pumping station on Berri Street will be built.

The City of Montreal and STM work will run in conjunction.

The work will be split into two major phases, the city said. The first will run from early January to late 2027 and involve the Berri Street section between Sainte-Catherine and Ontario streets, as well as the De Maisonneuve Boulevard span from Saint-Denis to Saint-Hubert streets.

The second phase will start in late 2027 and involve the Maisonneuve Boulevard section from Berri to Saint-André.

The city promises to maintain access to residences, businesses and institutions in the area.

Normal working hours will be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The STM said a public information session on the project will be held in November.