Massive flooding shuts down Galipeault Bridge, schools
CBC News | Posted: May 7, 2017 9:26 PM | Last Updated: May 9, 2017
Transports Québec suggest Île-Perrot residents stay home Monday if possible
As flooding continues to wreak havoc across Quebec, officials have been forced to shut down a vital stretch of road and close several schools in and around the island of Montreal.
The Galipeault Bridge, a major artery connecting the island of Île-Perrot and Montreal along Highway 20, is completely closed to traffic due to mounting water accumulation.
- Full list of school closures: CBC Montreal's Storm Centre page
Authorities were forced to close the bridge in both directions shortly after 7 p.m. on Sunday as high water levels have nearly reached the bottom of the structure.
"It's a safety measure to make sure the area is safe for drivers," said Transports Québec spokesperson Martin Girard, adding they are monitoring the structural integrity of the bridge.
Girard could not say when the bridge may reopen and that it will depend on the level of water around the bridge.
Transports Québec are asking motorists in the area to stay home if possible. Girard suggests that if residents must come onto the island of Montreal they take Highway 40 through Vaudreuil-Dorion or Highway 30.
Residents have also been told to steer clear of the area for their own safety by the Sûreté du Québec.
This comes as both Montreal and Laval declared states of emergency on Sunday amid rising floodwaters caused by days of steady rainfall. So far, more than 120 municipalities are affected by flooding, according to Urgence Québec.
Floodwaters close several schools
Several schools will also be closed in and around the island of Montreal on Monday as high water levels continue to wreak havoc across Quebec.
Lester B. Pearson School Board has declared all of its schools, centres and daycares closed on Monday due to the flooding.