Traffic Jam in Saint-Laurent

Many were stuck in a traffic jam on their way to work in old Saint-Laurent.

The power was out from the intersection of Décarie Boulevard and Côte-Vertu Boulevard to the intersection of Ouimet street and Côte-Vertu boulevard.

It all started at 7 am on Monday 40 when one of Hydro-Québec’s underground structures caught on fire, says Elaine Beaulieu, advisor in media relations for Hydro-Québec.

« The power was restored at 10h01 am except for 68 clients who usually get electricity by the cable who caught on fire » says Ms Beaulieu. « An underground network is less vulnerable, but when it breaks, it breaks, » she says.

Traffic jam

This incident caused traffic congestion because traffic lights were out too. « The boroughs send its team to manage circulation.  Around 9 am, it was under control « says Paul Lanctôt, head of the Department of Communication at Saint-Laurent.

« Hydro-Québec’s employees cut the power of the underground structure to make the necessary repairs. The power was restored for everyone at 4h36 pm, « says Ms Beaulieu. It’s still unclear what caused the fire, Hydro-Québec does not suspect a criminal act.