Faced with the four main findings of a survey conducted by Léger 360 last May on the impact of the obstructions on the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, DEV Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CCIVS) have formulated clear demands to the government. 

The mayor of Vaudreuil-Dorion and president of DEV Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Guy Pilon, explained the details of these suggestions at a press conference held this Wednesday, June 26, at the Château Vaudreuil. 

He called on the government to put in place rapid measures to mitigate the impact of impediments and closures on businesses. "Our economic fabric, already weakened by the pandemic, has suffered a further blow just as businesses were beginning to recover from this difficult period. It is imperative that we act to ensure the economic security of our region", he declared.

It should be noted that the survey conducted by Léger 360 showed that 50,370,000 vehicles travelled on the Île-aux-Tourtes and Galipeaut bridges in both directions in 2023. "I understand that the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge is being rebuilt, but solutions must be put in place now, not in two years' time. We understand that between now and then, the number of vehicles using the two bridges will increase, if we take into account the construction underway in the region. We need to act now," he added. 

Here are the solutions that could be implemented between now and the opening of the first lanes of the new Île-aux-Tourtes bridge, scheduled for 2026 according to the two authorities: 

- Free access to Autoroute 30: To divert some traffic. "Currently, GPS navigation tools such as Waze and Google Maps send road users on alternative routes such as the 338 or chemin de Lotbinière, which has the effect of further blocking traffic. With the 30 free of charge, it would help relieve congestion on the local road network." 

- Free public transit: To encourage the use of public transport. "Efforts have been made in this direction with the development of two additional park-and-ride lots in Vaudreuil-Dorion. But we had requested them last autumn, and they were put in place in June!"

- The implementation of dynamic lane management on weekends on the A-40: To allow better access to shops. "Currently, people don't want to come and spend time in Vaudreuil-Dorion or Ile Perrot during this period, because they don't want to be stuck in traffic."  

Increased police presence: Reinforce compliance with the highway safety code on A-20, in particular to reduce queue-jumping at intersections and illegal shortcuts. "We want to prevent truckers from passing over a green light that turns yellow with a 53-foot trailer blocking an intersection for several minutes. That's why we're asking for a police presence." 

Creating a communication channel with the government

Finally, DEV General Manager Joanne Brunet stressed the need for immediate, concerted action to support businesses. "It's crucial that the government adopt a proactive approach, similar to that seen during the COVID-19 crisis, where DEV was heavily involved. We also propose the creation of an exchange table between the government, DEV and the CCIVS, to implement specific initiatives and better communicate the work schedule," she mentioned. 

CCIVS General Manager Mathieu Milijours also pointed out that the exchange table would enable the region's stakeholders to convey the concerns of local entrepreneurs directly to the government, without intermediaries. 

In conclusion, DEV and the CCIVS urge the government to adopt immediate measures to improve traffic flow and support businesses affected by this crisis. The two organizations also emphasize the importance of completing the final 7 km stretch of the A20 through Vaudreuil-Dorion and Île Perrot. They also call on the population of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Eastern Ontario, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the West Island to continue supporting businesses, direct victims of the situation. 

To read also: 

- Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge: start of shoring work under the structure; 

- Highway 20: “Politically, we're not there yet” - Pierre Séguin;

- Highway 20: A citizens' movement launches a petition 

- Île-aux-Tourtes bridge: disturbing findings from shopkeepers