Safety improvements at the Westminster level crossing

The Town of Montreal West will soon implement transitional measures on Westminster Avenue, between Milner Avenue and Avon Road to comply with Transport Canada requirements and to improve safety and traffic flow near the Westminster level crossing, a complex and high-traffic area where motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and trains intersect.

The work is scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 3, 2026. Residents should expect intermittent disruptions, overnight road closures and temporary parking restrictions.

The work announced earlier this summer was postponed due to the CPKC signal workers’ strike. The Town is now providing an updated schedule and an overview of the key changes that will be implemented in the area.

Work area

Schedule*

• Work begins: September 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
• Expected completion: October 3, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.
• Hours: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

While most work will take place overnight, some activities may occur during the day; these will not require a complete closure, although a temporary lane deviation may be necessary.

* Dates may change depending on weather conditions or other operational constraints.

Scope of work

The work will include:

• Traffic management and preparatory work;
• Changes to road signage and pavement markings;
• Installation of delineator posts, markers, temporary barriers and planters;
• Lowering of curbs at the Broughton Road and Ainslie Road intersections;
• Installation of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at pedestrian crossings.

Temporary impacts during the work

During the work, residents are asked to follow all temporary signage, allow additional travel time in the area and move their vehicles when temporary parking restriction notices are posted.

Some activities may generate noise, dust and other temporary inconveniences. The contractor will take all reasonable measures to minimize disruptions.

Traffic

• Full closure of Westminster Avenue between Milner Avenue and Avon Road from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Des Érables Street will be temporarily opened at the intersection of Broughton Road between 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to facilitate local access to the Ainslie area during the closure of Westminster Avenue. The bollards will be reinstalled each morning;
• Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained at all times;
• Access to properties will be maintained, unless otherwise indicated;
• Local detours will be in place;
  • North sector: use Elmhurst Avenue to travel north and south. View detour map.
  • South sector: use des Érables Street and Broughton Road (Devil’s Hill) to enter or exit the Strathearn S. / Campbell / Ainslie / Broughton/Easton street area. View detour map.
• Temporary on-street parking restrictions.

A new configuration after the work

Once the work is complete, a new roadway configuration will be in place to improve safety and traffic flow for all road users.

• Left turns onto Westminster Avenue from Sherbrooke Street and Broughton Road will no longer be permitted;
• Parking will be removed on Westminster Avenue between Milner Avenue and Sherbrooke Street and the southbound parking lane will be converted into a travel lane. Reminder: parking is permitted for up to 2 hours in the municipal lots on Milner/ Strathearn and Milner/Percival;
• One travel lane in each direction will be removed between Sherbrooke Street and Broughton Road;
• Stop signs on Westminster Avenue at Sherbrooke Street and Broughton Road will be removed;
• New rectangular rapid-flashing beacons will be installed at pedestrian crossings;
• Planters and other temporary installations will help improve pedestrian safety and visibility.

Residents with questions are invited to contact the Public Works Department using the Contact Us form. The Town’s emergency notification system will be used to notify affected residents in the event of an emergency. To register or update your preferences, visit: alerts.montreal-west.ca.

The Town of Montreal West thanks residents for their understanding and cooperation during the work. These temporary measures are being implemented to improve safety, visibility and mobility for everyone traveling through the area around the Westminster level crossing.