Turcot Yard reconstruction project: Lachine presents its public transit project

In its brief, Arrondissement de Lachine explained that the Turcot Yard reconstruction will have a significant impact on vehicle traffic which is already heavy during rush hour. Arrondissement de Lachine also stated that the Turcot Yard reconstruction project opens the opportunity to introduce a means of heavy public transit at a reasonable cost and within a short time-span. Experience shows that a number of public transit projects were created as mitigation measures aimed at reducing the impact on traffic during major road construction projects, notably the reserved lane for buses along boulevard Crémazie and suburban train service between Montreal and Blainville as well as Mont-Saint-Hilaire.

Arrondissement de Lachine proposes that a tram-train service between Lachine and the Montreal downtown core be established. This project presents a number of advantages including low cost and a significant improvement in public transit service. The tram-train would also favour the economic development of the western sector of Montréal.

“Our population has constantly been on the rise over recent years and residential development will only increase due to the large number of development projects to come,” explained borough of Lachine Mayor, Claude Dauphin. “It is essential that we offer our residents alternatives to driving their cars. In the short term, we foresee that the tram-train would take 2,300 commuters off the road. With the creation of park and ride service, the tram-train would also serve people outside Lachine who would benefit from this highly interesting mitigation measure,” Mr. Dauphin added.

Concretely, the tram-train would run on the old CN line along rue Victoria. The proposed route would only require the laying of 2.5 kilometres of track. A number of stations would be established in Lachine and the tram-train would offer a fast, direct service into the downtown core. This means of transportation would enter into service 18 to 24 months after the start of work. “With the reconstruction of the Turcot Yard, establishment of the tram-train becomes a priority. Our project already benefits from large scale support, be it from various organizations or the business community,” Mr. Dauphin stated.

Integrated into the Ville de Montréal during the last wave of municipal mergers, Arrondissement de Lachine is made up of three areas: the limits of the former Ville de Saint-Pierre, the basically residential area located south of Highway 20 and the industrial park just north of Highway 20 along Highway 13.

Lachine currently has a population of 42,444 though this number is expected to increase by 14% over the next decade. It should be noted that the borough is presently served by three means of public transit, city buses, a commuter train and the taxi-bus service between the industrial park, the train station and the south section of Lachine. In this regard, the modal portion of public transit in the borough totals only 16% while it represents 23% overall for the Island of Montreal.