Boulevard Henri-Bourassa: A sustainable mobility corridor
Development of the Rapid Transit Bus system and the Express Bike Network on Boulevard Henri-Bourassa continue in 2026 between Rue Lajeunesse and Rue De Saint-Firmin. The corridor will connect neighbourhoods in the northern part of Montréal and make active and public travel safer and more efficient.
Some 2.2 kilometres of new roads will be added to the 4.9 kilometres built in 2024 and 2025 between Avenue Marcelin-Wilson and Rue Lajeunesse and between Rue De Saint-Firmin and Avenue des Récollets. Underground infrastructure repairs and upgrades will also be carried out as part of the project.
About this project
When?
- Construction began: May 2025
- Construction ends: Spring 2027
Where?
On Boulevard Henri-Bourassa, between Rue Lajeunesse and Rue De Saint-Firmin
What?
- Water and sewer main repair
- Replacement of lead water service lines and some sumps
- Rebuilding the Commission des services électriques de Montréal’s electrical access manholes
- Unidirectional bike paths on each side of the boulevard
- 24/7 reserved bus lanes in both directions
- A buffer zone between the bike lane and the bus lane with markings, bollards and concrete guards
- Universally accessible bus platforms and docks for people with reduced mobility
- Pedestrian refuge areas at intersections
- Lights for cyclists and priority lights for buses
- Rebuilding some sidewalks
- Reasphalting the roadway
- Adding trees to the central median
- Installation of electrical BIXI stations and furniture (bus shelters, bike racks, benches, etc.)
Construction phasing
In 2025, water and sewer main works were carried out between Rue Lajeunesse and Avenue des Récollets, while the EBN and RTB lanes were built between Rue De Saint-Firmin and Avenue des Récollets. In 2026, several electrical access manholes will be rebuilt and the sustainable mobility corridor will be completed between Rue Lajeunesse and Rue De Saint-Firmin.
Why?
- Provide a safe, continuous bike route that is accessible all year round
- Offer fast, frequent and reliable bus service
- Promote the most direct routes for active and public transportation over long distances
- Offer better connectivity with public and active transportation networks such as the metro, EBN, REM, etc.
- Mitigate car traffic
- Improve the safety and experience of people who live on or travel along the boulevard, including those who are more vulnerable
- Facilitate travel for people with reduced mobility thanks to docks and bus platforms that are adapted to their needs and bike paths where they can travel using their motorized equipment (scooters, wheelchairs, etc.)
- Better serve neighbourhoods with significant active and public transportation needs
- Diversify travel options and facilitate the transition from cars to more environmentally friendly methods of transportation
- Facilitate access to several parks, shops, daycare centres, schools and recreational centres for all users of the boulevard
- Ensure quality drinking water supply for homes, businesses and institutions
- Improve the reliability of sewer and electrical systems
The project in pictures
See photos of construction work completed in 2024 on Boulevard Henri-Bourassa between Avenue Marcelin-Wilson and Rue Lajeunesse.
Traffic and parking
Several changes are expected on Boulevard Henri-Bourassa upon completion of the construction work:
- Two traffic lanes will be maintained in each direction
- Short-term parking areas and delivery zones will be relocated on cross streets as needed
- Median closed at intersections without traffic lights: drivers are no longer allowed to cross the median at these intersections, except for emergency, maintenance, and snow removal vehicles.
- U-turns permitted at intersections with traffic lights: if left turns are permitted, motorists may make a U-turn when the green arrow is active, unless otherwise indicated
A coordinated construction site Project
Project teams coordinate their efforts with other construction sites in the area, in particular the repair of the Papineau-Leblanc bridge deck and the Bibliothèque et espace culturel du Cœur-Nomade that is currently being built. These teams determine which measures should be taken to limit barriers and maintain access to buildings.
A liaison officer will follow up with businesses and institutions to minimize the impacts of the project on their activities.
The project as a whole
Eventually, the sustainable mobility corridor on Boulevard Henri-Bourassa will extend 18 kilometres from west to east, from Highway 40 to Boulevard Lacordaire. The first portion is being built in Saint-Laurent and a second was built in 2024, between Avenue Marcelin-Wilson and Rue Lajeunesse.
Meetings are held with the city, the STM and the residents who are affected by the project so its development can be integrated into their living environment. Resident participation initiatives (in French) are planned for the various phases of the project.
Obstructions and construction
Using the Obstructions and Construction Info service, you can locate the obstructions caused by this construction project.
Work notices
Information meeting
Review the information panels presented at the Open House on February 25, 2025:
Did you miss the information evening on May 28, 2024, or would you like to watch it again? Watch it here:
Watch the recording of the information meeting on December 7, 2023:
Need help?
Contact us if you have questions.