Redevelopment of Sainte-Catherine West / Peel Street in Montreal

Traffic maintenance and impact management: adapting to the specificities of each project

Within this mandate, Intervia’s traffic and impact management team has been working closely with the contractor to ensure safe and efficient mobility for all users. Intervia is responsible for approving traffic signage and pedestrian path plans submitted by the contractor, as well as designing site plans to maintain access to businesses and institutions throughout the construction period.

Located in the heart of downtown Montréal, along a major commercial corridor, this project presents unique challenges due to the diversity of circulation plans required to manage vehicular detours, pedestrian routes, and business access, all while maintaining safety for everyone. This demands strong coordination among multiple stakeholders and requires our team to demonstrate agility and adaptability at every stage.

While traffic signage plans remain relatively stable, pedestrian routing plans evolve constantly as construction progresses. Intervia’s team, in close collaboration with the contractor, ensures that pedestrian pathways remain safe, functional, and coherent at all times, regardless of the work phase.

Business access must meet the needs of merchants and customers alike. It is equally essential to maintain delivery and waste collection operations without disrupting either construction activities or pedestrian circulation.

Challenges of a large-scale downtown project

As with any downtown infrastructure project, this initiative presents a number of logistical, social, and economic challenges that must be carefully managed to ensure smooth operations and safe mobility. The social and economic impacts must be minimized to preserve the vitality of this iconic area.

Because Sainte-Catherine West and Peel Streets are major commercial arteries, maintaining accessibility during construction is critical to avoid disrupting local businesses. This required innovative planning to establish delivery zones compatible with construction footprints while meeting merchant needs.

At the same time, pedestrian pathways had to adapt dynamically to evolving site conditions while remaining safe and convenient. Intervia’s team continuously monitors the site to verify compliance and adjust installations, ensuring minimal disruption to users and nearby residents.

A key element in the project’s success was the deployment of an on-site liaison officer. Their role was essential to maintaining direct communication with merchants, understanding their day-to-day needs, and ensuring that citizen mobility and access were preserved. This human and proactive approach fostered collaboration among stakeholders and strengthened the social acceptability of the project.