Autoroute 40 Closed Westbound Near Saint-Cuthbert Due to Road Collapse

What Happened

Autoroute 40 in the Saint-Cuthbert sector, approximately 60 kilometers from Montreal, has been closed westbound for an indefinite period. The preventative closure was initiated on Wednesday after the discovery of a hole beneath the road surface, described as a "cheminée" or sinkhole.

Why It Matters

The closure of this roughly 5-kilometer stretch of the highway is anticipated to cause significant traffic congestion in the area. The Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility of Quebec has stated that they are working to establish contraflow traffic on the eastbound lanes, allowing one lane in each direction to remain open, as quickly as possible.

Background

This is not the first time this section of Autoroute 40 has faced significant disruption. On August 26, 2023, a 14-kilometer segment between Berthierville and Lanoraie was closed for five weeks due to a collapsed culvert. A more dramatic incident occurred in 2005 when a portion of the highway collapsed near kilometer 208, east of Trois-Rivières.

Key Facts

• Autoroute 40 westbound is closed in the Saint-Cuthbert sector.
• The closure is due to a hole discovered under the road surface, known as a "cheminée".
• Traffic is being diverted via Montée Saint-Laurent and Route 138.
• The Ministry of Transportation is working to implement contraflow traffic on the opposite roadway.
• Congestion is expected in the affected area.
• Saint-Cuthbert is located between Montreal and Trois-Rivières.