Pont Viau, Concrete bridge in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Canada
Pont Viau is a concrete bridge spanning roughly 430 meters across the Rivière des Prairies, connecting Montreal's Ahuntsic-Cartierville neighborhood with the Pont-Viau district in Laval. The structure accommodates four lanes for vehicles and one dedicated lane for buses, serving approximately 36,000 crossings on weekdays.
The current concrete structure was built in 1962, replacing a wooden bridge that had served the crossing since 1847. This replacement marked a major shift toward modern infrastructure as the two communities continued to grow.
The bridge's name reflects the growing connection between Montreal and Laval, with its current designation honoring the neighborhood it reaches on the other side. Over time, it became a symbol of how two communities on opposite banks developed as interconnected parts of the same region.
The bridge features four lanes for regular traffic and a separate lane for buses, allowing for relatively smooth crossings between the cities. During rush hours, delays are common, so traveling during quieter times will give you a faster passage.
In 2007, a large hole appeared in the bus lane causing temporary closure, but structural assessments confirmed the bridge remained sound. Repairs were completed quickly, and traffic resumed the same day.
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