A recent winter storm in Montreal led to challenging road conditions and disruptions in the city’s light-rail network during the Thursday morning commute. Snowfall alerts have been issued for various regions, including Montreal and the Laurentians, with anticipated snow accumulation of 10 to 15 centimeters.
The Deux-Montagnes branch of the REM experienced significant disruptions, halting train services between Bois-Franc and Ville-de-Mont-Royal stations. To assist passengers during the service suspension, shuttle buses were provided, and normal operations resumed before 10 a.m. A representative from the REM mentioned that the interruption resulted from severe weather conditions, specifically unexpected freezing drizzle causing ice buildup on the power lines supplying electricity to the trains.
The spokesperson, Claudia Néron, highlighted that the new Deux-Montagnes branch passes through regions prone to high humidity above the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles, leading to moisture-related challenges during weather events like freezing rain. Efforts are underway to implement new equipment and procedures in the coming weeks to address such impacts.
Additionally, local authorities reported several accidents on Thursday morning, including incidents on Highway 132 in Longueuil. The City of Montreal is preparing for another round of snow clearing operations as commuters contend with the aftermath of heavy snowfall on the roads.