The Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal has resumed two lanes in each direction following a closure caused by a fire, leading to hours of shutdown. The bridge authority announced the reopening around 4 p.m. on Wednesday after a full closure from 6:15 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., resulting in significant traffic congestion during the morning rush hour on the South Shore.
Despite the bridge reopening, the exit lane towards De Lorimier Avenue south remains closed as of Thursday morning. Additionally, the multipurpose path and sidewalk in both directions are still inaccessible. Although the bridge itself was unharmed by the fire, concerns arose about the potential collapse of the vacant industrial building at 1600 De Lorimier Ave. and the risk of advertising billboards on its roof falling. Consequently, the building was demolished.
At its peak, approximately 120 firefighters were combating the four-alarm fire that started on the first floor around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Martin Guilbault, an operations chief with the Montreal fire department, declared the fire under control shortly before noon. The investigation into the cause has been handed over to Montreal police, with the cause still undetermined, and the presence of any individuals within remains unknown.
The building, owned by the Bertone Development Corporation, had plans for redevelopment to “reinvent the entrance to the city,” as indicated on the Bertone website. Following the incident, the project is on hold, with Brianna Bertone, director of legal affairs and corporate strategy, affirming collaboration with authorities for further assessment of the situation.
Héritage Montréal highlighted ongoing discussions between the Ville-Marie borough and developers to incorporate the heritage building into the new Quartier des Lumières neighborhood. In 2025, the federal government pledged $108 million towards the 304-unit project through the Apartment Construction Loan Program.
The historic building, constructed in 1910, had been vacant for years. Notable occupants over the years included a pioneering businessman and a pharmaceutical company. The building’s unique design influenced the curve in the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Montreal has experienced several fires in vacant buildings in recent years, with efforts to address the issue through mandatory registration of such properties for owners.
The impact of the bridge closure extended beyond city limits, affecting traffic and wait times at the Sorel-Tracy ferry due to drivers seeking alternative routes across the St. Lawrence River.