Major water main break near Jacques-Cartier bridge floods streets

Water was seen gushing and flooding downtown Montreal near the Jacques-Cartier bridge after a water main broke. (Radio-Canada - image credit)
Water was seen gushing and flooding downtown Montreal near the Jacques-Cartier bridge after a water main broke. (Radio-Canada - image credit)

A major water main break flooded parts of downtown Montreal near the Jacques-Cartier bridge Friday morning.

Notre-Dame Street has been blocked off as of the intersection at Frontenac Street. Montreal's fire department says morning traffic will be seriously impacted as the break "is really major."

There is major flooding near the intersection of Sainte-Catherine Street and de Lorimier Avenue, as well as on René-Lévesque Boulevard.

Police asked commuters to avoid the area.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said all hands are on deck to get the situation under control.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said all hands are on deck to get the situation under control.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said all hands are on deck to get the situation under control. (Radio-Canada)

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) said several routes have been impacted, namely the 10, 15, 45, 150, 410 and 430 buses.

Papineau Metro station is still functional and precautionary measures like installing sand bags have been taken.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante urged people to avoid the area on X and said all hands are on deck to get the situation under control.

"All teams have been mobilised on the ground to identify the cause, close the valves and plan the repairs," she posted.

Cartier Street near René-Levesque Boulevard is flooded, with some cars having their tires submerged.
Cartier Street near René-Levesque Boulevard is flooded, with some cars having their tires submerged.

Cartier Street near René-Levesque Boulevard is flooded, with some cars having their tires submerged. (Rosalie Émond-Tremblay/Radio-Canada)

More to come