Beginning of Bike Path Construction on Hochelaga Street

The City of Montreal recently announced the start of work on the construction of a new bike path on Hochelaga Street, in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood.

This project, which will begin in May 2025, is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and improving cyclist safety.

During a virtual information session, residents were able to learn the details of this ambitious project. The first phase of work, planned between Rue du Havre and Rue Desjardins, is expected to be completed in December 2025.

Ultimately, this new bike path will extend from Fullum Street to Highway 25, covering a total distance of 6.5 km.

Sophie Mauzerolle, City of Montreal councillor responsible for transportation and mobility, emphasized the importance of reducing vehicle traffic on Hochelaga Street.

"Hochelaga Street isn't very user-friendly right now. Cars move quite quickly. It's a street dotted with parks, schools, daycares, and daycares. Many citizens have been asking us for a long time to make a change," she said.

The mayor of the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, Pierre Lessard-Blais, also reiterated that Hochelaga Street was the best choice for this type of development due to its strategic and demographic importance. "The Hochelaga axis remains the only continuous link between Fullum and Highway 25," he added.

One traffic lane will be removed in each direction to create one-way bike lanes separated from the roadway. It should be noted that 70% of on-street parking spaces will be retained, at the request of local residents.

By removing one lane of roadway in each direction, traffic will be calmed, City representatives emphasized. The speed limit will be reduced from 50 km/h to 30 km/h.

Refuge islands and curb extensions will be created for pedestrians. The roadway will be narrower for those traveling on foot.

The work also includes the construction of greening pits and concrete islands at intersections that do not have traffic lights.

In the portions of the section where the Préfontaine and Joliette metro stations are located, curb extensions will be built to reduce the length of pedestrian crossings. In addition, a new electrified Bixi station will be added to Joliette station.

This new generation of bike lanes on Hochelaga Street represents a significant step forward for sustainable mobility in Montreal.

Residents and users of Hochelaga Street can expect a significant improvement in safety and quality of life in their neighborhood.