Ville-Marie Expressway work to bring left-hand driving to St-Denis Street

Traffic could be flowing British-style on a one-block portion of St-Denis Street when construction begins on covering the Ville-Marie Expressway between Hôtel de Ville Avenue and Sanguinet Street.

Radio-Canada is reporting that the plan would create a left-hand northbound lane for one block on St-Denis Street between St-Antoine Avenue East and Viger Street.

A safety barrier would separate the north and southbound lanes and signs would clearly indicate the left-hand switch.

City officials say the change will help avoid congestion and keep traffic circulating in a fluid manner .

Covering the Ville-Marie Expressway, which could start by the end of 2015, is a central feature of the city's plans for Montreal's 375th anniversary.

Covering the expressway will allow for the building of a public square next to the new University of Montreal Health Centre (CHUM) research centre at the corner of St-Denis and Viger streets.

Ramp closure controversy

The covering project will see part of the Ville-Marie Expressway's Berri-St-Laurent off-ramp closed.

Once the project is finished, the ramp to Sanguinet Street, Viger Avenue and Saint-Laurent Boulevard will no longer be accessible.

The CHUM has opposed the ramp's closure, citing the fact it would limit road access to the hospital for ambulances.

City officials, however, say the unique approach to traffic flow on that one block of St-Denis Street will facilitate access to the hospital.