Route 207 to Kahnawake to close during peak morning hours amid Châteauguay construction

Traffic on the South Shore is continually backed up as construction in Chateauguay is causing nightmares for residents. (Swidda Rassy/CTV News)

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) said it will completely close Route 207 into the territory in response to “community safety concerns” due to road construction in nearby Châteauguay, Que.

Work is ongoing on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard (R-138), the main road going through the South Shore suburb, with several other nearby roads closed as a result. Residents have complained about feeling trapped in traffic chaos in recent weeks during the construction work, with some saying they have to leave their homes at 4 a.m. to get to work by 9 a.m.

• READ MORE: ‘Prisoners in this city!’ Construction causing hell for Châteauguay residents

The MCK said the 207 entrance to the Mohawk territory will be closed at Highway 30 northbound between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. beginning on Nov. 10 until further notice. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to use the road and “all other motorists will be turned away,” MCK said in a news release on Wednesday.

The southbound exit from Kahnawake to Highway 30 will remain open.

The Kahnawake Peacekeepers will enforce the road closure and will continue to monitor the Old Chateauguay Road entrance, allowing entry to residents and others with proof of employment in the area.

“We’ve seen a rise in traffic since several road construction projects began around our community,” said Ratsénhaienhs Ryan Montour, External Government Relations Portfolio Holder and Public Safety Lead. “As traffic increases, so does the concern for public safety of the residents along Route 207 and other roadways.”

The MCK says motorists should make the necessary adjustments to their commutes.