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Navigating Transportation during the Montreal Marathon

City divide imminent, causing vehicular navigation to become more intricate over the weekend.

Navigating transportation during the Montreal Marathon
Navigating transportation during the Montreal Marathon

The Montreal Marathon, a much-anticipated annual event, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 22. Approximately 32,500 runners will be on the streets over the weekend, ready to conquer either the 21.1 or 42.2 kilometers course.

The marathon will start at Île Sainte-Hélène and finish at Parc Maisonneuve. Runners will make their way through the city, with half-marathon participants taking Saint-Joseph Boulevard east to the finish line, while traditional marathon runners will head north on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

For those who wish to cheer on the runners from the comfort of their homes, it's possible to do so from balconies along the marathon route. The finish line at Maisonneuve Park is near a stage for medal presentations and artistic performances, providing an exciting atmosphere for spectators.

To minimize traffic disruptions, work on the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel will be paused for the weekend. Streets used by runners will be closed to traffic from around 6:30 am to 3:30 pm. However, different "breaches" allowing crossing of the course will be installed on key points such as Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Saint-Joseph Boulevard, the Metropolitan Highway, the Van Horne Viaduct, or Sherbrooke Street.

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will enhance service on Sunday based on demand, particularly around the start and finish. This includes extending Métro hours and increasing bus frequency on routes near the marathon course. Waze and Google Maps applications will provide real-time traffic information to help navigate the city during the event.

Spectators can gather at a dozen locations along the marathon route to cheer on the participants. Rosemont Boulevard and Viau Street will be the theater of the final kilometers before the finish line at Parc Maisonneuve.

It's worth noting that the Jacques-Cartier Bridge will be open for automobile traffic due to the marathon's departure near Espace 67. Additionally, it will be prohibited to park on the marathon route from 10 pm Saturday until 3 pm Sunday.

In other news, Montreal Pride occurred despite criticisms of Fierte Montreál, with two parades on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Info Challenge of September 19 featured discussions on topics such as René Homier-Roy, Jimmy Kimmel, and Bill 21.

Exterminators are also offering advice on dealing with the proliferation of wasps this summer. It's always a good idea to stay informed and prepared for various aspects of city life.

Whether you're a runner, a spectator, or simply a resident of Montreal, the upcoming marathon promises to be an exciting event for all. Stay tuned for more updates as the big day approaches!

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