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UPDATE, Thursday, January 22, 2026: Despite the reopening of two of the three lanes toward Montreal on Wednesday afternoon, traffic remains heavily congested when accessing the city via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge on Thursday morning due to the southbound closure of De Lorimier Avenue. According to a report by Le Journal de Montréal, traffic is prohibited on this stretch of road because of demolition work on the building that was ravaged by a major fire, which led to the bridge’s closure on Wednesday. As a result, motorists trying to enter the city are forced to travel northbound, creating significant congestion at the bridge exit. Slowdowns have also been reported on the Champlain Bridge.
A massive four-alarm fire near the foot of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge brought one of Montreal’s busiest arteries to a standstill.
According to a report by City News, the major fire has forced the complete closure of the bridge and disrupted traffic between Montreal and the South Shore.
The blaze erupted late Tuesday night inside an abandoned industrial heritage building at the intersection of De Lorimier Avenue and Logan Street, just steps from the bridge’s Montreal entrance.
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Firefighters were called to the scene around 11:30 p.m., after flames broke out on the first floor and quickly spread to the upper levels.
By dawn, thick smoke billowing from the structure and fears of a potential collapse onto the bridge’s pillars prompted authorities to shut down all lanes in both directions, as well as the multipurpose path and sidewalk.
The report went on to state that Montreal fire officials said crews were still battling the blaze early Wednesday, with parts of the bridge deck itself being used to support firefighting operations.
Éric Lafrance, section chief of the Montreal Fire Department, warned that the smoke could significantly impair visibility for drivers, and there is a real risk to the bridge infrastructure.
Is the Jacques-Cartier Bridge closed?
In a statement issued around 6 a.m., Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated confirmed the full closure of the bridge, citing safety concerns.
The complete and immediate closure applies to traffic lanes, multipurpose path and sidewalk in both directions.
Jacques Cartier Bridge | COMPLETE and IMMEDIATE CLOSURE of traffic lanes, multipurpose path and sidewalk in both directions
— Pont Jacques-Cartier (@pontJCBridge) January 21, 2026
See notice: https://t.co/IucRJEuLUL
#JCCBI #JacquesCartierBridge #mobilitéMTL
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternate crossings, including the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge or the Victoria Bridge, as emergency crews continue their efforts to bring the fire under control.
For updates on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge closure, click here.
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