Another day, another lane closure in the Turcot Interchange.

Starting today and for the next month, those heading towards the West Island from downtown will have to contend with the latest closure that's part of the ongoing work on the Turcot.

One of two lanes will be closed as you drive through the Turcot Interchange from the Ville Marie tunnel to Highway 20 West, just past the exit ramps for the Decarie north and the Champlain Bridge. The lane should reopen mid-November.

It's not the first time this section is partially shut down and it won't be the last, says Transport Quebec spokesperson Caroline Larose.

"This is an old structure, it needs a lot of maintenance and that's what we're doing," Larose said. She added that since the work is being done on the ramp over the section connecting the Ville Marie westbound to Highway 20 West, the lane closure is for safety reasons.

"We need to protect the workers and also the drivers because some concrete may fall on the lane."

In the meantime, commuters and truckers will need patience as they wait in traffic, and wait for alternatives such as the completion of the Highway 30 beltway and the long-proposed dedicated West Island commuter train.

"We're eagerly awaiting for the report from the AMT that's expected in December in regards to the Train de l'Ouest which is a project that's long overdue," Pollock told CJAD News.

"I think it would certainly alleviate traffic on the roads."

But unfortunately, Pollock admitted, these things won't happen tomorrow.

"There's hope but regrettably it's going to be inconvenience and pain until we get there."

Photo: CJAD archives