Montreal: A significant water main break occurred early Thursday morning on Papineau Avenue in Montreal, causing widespread flooding and severe traffic disruptions throughout the downtown core. The rupture, which was first reported around 2:20 a.m., led to the indefinite closure of Papineau Avenue between Saint-Catherine Street and René-Lévesque Boulevard. City officials confirmed that the damage involves a crack approximately 15 to 20 centimeters long, and while repair teams have been working to seal the breach, no timeline has been established for the road to reopen.
The incident has caused a major logistical crisis for commuters, specifically those attempting to access the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Because a portion of De Lorimier Avenue is already closed for scheduled renovations, the water main break has effectively choked off the primary transit routes connecting Montreal to the South Shore. Police have been stationed on-site to redirect vehicles through Frontenac and Atateken Streets, but authorities are strongly advising all motorists to avoid the entire sector until further notice.
This disruption has renewed concerns regarding Montreal’s aging infrastructure, as it occurred near the site of a massive water main failure in August 2024. That previous incident, which took place just a block away, resulted in a “geyser” that flooded dozens of homes and required months of significant repair work. While the current break is being managed, the recurring nature of these events highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the city’s water distribution network.
