Watermain break halts traffic east of Montreal’s Village on Papineau

Commuters in the east of Montreal’s downtown found significant traffic buildup east of the Village after a water main break on Papineau Avenue early Thursday.

Commuters in the east of Montreal’s downtown found significant traffic buildup east of the Village after a water main break.

Montreal police (SPVM) closed Papineau Avenue at 2:30 a.m. between René-Lévesque Boulevard and Sainte-Catherine Street due to the break on the east side of the street near Sainte-Rose Street.

As of noon, the southbound lanes of Papineau Avenue were still closed.

“The flow from the pipe has been controlled and the water is being directed to the sump,” said city spokesperson Nickey Cayer. “Repair work will take place today.”

The northbound lanes were reopened at 10:20 a.m.

Those heading south are advised to take Maisonneuve Avenue or Sainte-Catherine Street to avoid the area.