Montreal

Mercier Bridge partially closed for 2 months

A work blitz is underway on the bridge that connects Montreal's South Shore to the borough of Lasalle for the next eight weeks until Aug. 17.

Construction blitz means only 1 lane will be open in both directions on South Shore bridge

The closures are due to ongoing construction work and crews are slated to replace the deck of the bridge. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

It's going to be a tough commute for motorists who use the Mercier Bridge this summer.

A work blitz is underway on the structure that connects Montreal's South Shore to the borough of Lasalle for the next eight weeks until Aug. 17.

As of this weekend, traffic is down to one lane in both directions and the speed limit is reduced to 50 kilometres per hour.

The closures are due to ongoing construction work and crews plan to replace the deck of the bridge.

Trucks are prohibited from using the Montreal-bound part of the bridge from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

In the afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., trucks cannot access the South Shore span.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the bridge as much as possible and use alternate routes like the Champlain Bridge or the Highway 30 toll bridge.