The replacement and rehabilitation of water and sewer pipes on Sauvé street in Les Coteaux is causing many headaches for local residents.

"The work was considered in order to avoid a complete closure of Sauvé Street in this sector. The work is being carried out in one lane, allowing alternating traffic. The signage was installed by a specialized firm whose plans were sealed by an engineer in the field," explains communications manager Geneviève Juillet.

While this type of alternating traffic management usually works well when users follow the signs, this was not the case at Les Coteaux.

"After checking, we realized that Martin Street was becoming a risk. Users using this street to access rue Sauvé were creating a head-on hazard if the green light allowed traffic to flow in the other direction. It was decided to close this street to avoid any risk of collision. So we're forcing all users to use the only other access, Mercier, to channel the traffic," adds Ms. Juillet.

"I've never seen such an organization. It's really nonsense," a local resident told Néomédia on condition of anonymity. 

On social networks, messages from citizens exasperated by the congestion are also numerous. Many say it takes more than twenty minutes to get out of the neighborhood.

"The buses don't want to come into the neighborhood anymore. So kids have to go to the corner of Mercier and Sauvé. There's no crossing guard on the corner. It's really dangerous," added the resident. 

Another Néomédia subscriber confided that she had to redirect several motorists trying to get to Saint-Polycarpe.

"Their GPS takes them through Sauvé. I have to tell them to go back to Sauvé towards the highway, take it and get off at exit 9. Seriously, it's badly signposted and there's little communication about detours."

Faulty traffic lights

Other adjustments were required to limit access and better direct vehicles, including the installation of temporary traffic lights at the intersection of Mercier and Sauvé streets.

However, according to several motorists, the duration of the green light was far too short, and the absence of a mandatory stop sign on Sauvé street made it difficult to get through. "There were two green lights on the same corner. C'était le bordel. People passing through Sauvé don't have a stop sign, so they don't stop. It's a real joke," laments the resident.

Managing rush hour traffic

"The traffic lights were relocated to make sure they were more visible from the side streets. Also, there were some malfunctions on the lights that have since been repaired," continues the communications manager at the Municipalité des Coteaux.  

Since September 6, traffic wardens have been called in to help during rush hour. "This should make it possible to lighten the traffic caused by alternating circulation. They will be present from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., in addition to the traffic lights," confirms Ms Juillet.

Flagmen will be on site until further notice, to enforce compliance with the traffic lights.

"We are aware that this work will disrupt the daily lives of citizens, but it is necessary. We are attentive to comments made by citizens when they are constructive and applicable to the situation. To this end, we are passing them on to GBI Experts-Conseils, the firm mandated to manage this project," concludes Geneviève Juillet.

The worksite is scheduled to be in place until October 24.