Changes to traffic lights

Last updated March 26, 2024
Reading time: 1 min

Montréal is taking action on traffic lights at a rate of some 300 intersections per year. These work operations are required to maintain and improve infrastructures and the different functions of traffic lights.

Why take action on traffic lights

The objective is to ensure travel safety while encouraging sustainable mobility. For example:

Installation of cycling infrastructures

Duration of the work operations

Changing traffic lights at an intersection generally takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the scope of the work. However, these improvements involve underground infrastructures which are used to connect the traffic lights. If these infrastructures are damaged or outdated, underground work operations lasting three to five weeks are required to replace them.

Impacts of the work

These work operations entail temporary impacts on traffic in the intersection zone. 

It is sometimes necessary to close a lane, or a direction in full. In this case, traffic in alternating directions is used, with a police presence. 

The closure of sidewalks may be required to perform certain tasks, but access to nearby buildings is maintained at all times. 

In certain cases:

  • Bus stops near intersections could be moved.
  • Parking could be prohibited temporarily in the concerned zone.
  • Audible signals for people with a visual impairment could be deactivated.