Verdun can alleviate the concerns of those who use LaSalle Blvd, with this new configuration.
Things are going to change on LaSalle boulevard!
Reconfiguration planned so speed can be reduced
The plan to revamp LaSalle boulevard, between Leclair and Richard streets, has taken an important step in becoming reality, with a meeting that was recently held, allowing for the public's comments to be heard. The project has as an ultimate goal to reduce the speed on this boulevard, by changing the configuration and increasing pedestrian safety.
The Verdun borough held an information meeting on the project, which brought together 43 residents at the Centre culturel, this past Tuesday evening. Supported by a vast study realized upon the request of the Public Works and Traffic Commission, presided over by councillor André Savard, the report demonstrates that it’s possible to intervene by increasing the sidewalk and installing flower pots and reflecting posts, on the section of LaSalle Blvd, between Leclair and Richard.
"It's not the best, but it's not the worst," is Mr. Savard's answer, when asked about the problems of speed and traffic in this area. Basically, Verdun does not rank any worse than other Montreal boroughs. "Our goal is to reduce speed, but in order to do that, we have to change driver's habits," he stated.
A lengthy study
Engineer Jean Cardin, specializing in traffic problems, is the man behind this project.
During his presentation, Mr. Cardin listed the statistics regarding traffic on LaSalle Blvd, an important street for Verdun. According to the study, 85% of vehicles drive at an average speed of 60 km or less. It's only about 15% of drivers who seem to drive excessively fast. For the majority of residents however, these inconsiderate drivers seem to attract so much of their attention that the impression is given that everyone is speeding. During the study, 4,804 cars drove down LaSalle Blvd during a 24-hour span, including morning and afternoon rush hour, with the average being between 500 and 800 cars per hour.
A proven solution
By reducing the width of the boulevard and by limiting traffic lanes, it forces drivers to slow down and visibly reduces the average speed. Work is also aimed at revamping pedestrian crosswalks located at the intersections of Rolland, Valiquette and Riverview.
Among the major changes to take place, the reconfiguration of rue Bannantyne, LaSalle Blvd and rue de Verdun with the boulevard, so the angle of these intersections will be modified and the risk of an accident reduced. In order to minimize the impact for residents and businesses (the travel agency) on rue de Verdun between Godin and LaSalle, parking spaces will be created. Parking on a bias on LaSalle will also be eliminated, so it can be replaced with parking parallel to the sidewalk. The same changes have netted positive results for Champlain Blvd.
Such changes won't be too costly. Approximately $20,000 will be spent and work will take place between June 4 and July 13. Eventually, a more elaborate configuration is planned for in the Douglas section, but that would cost between $1.5 M and $2 M.
A resident expressed hope that a permanent solution be found, by retracing the boulevard, moving the sidewalks, allowing for the expansion of the park along the waterfront or the expansion of the lawn that runs along the Douglas Hospital. Urban planner Dany Tremblay indicated that the proposal was an interesting one, but extremely costly.
PHOTO Boulevard LaSalle.jpg in photos du 27 mai
par Pierre Lussier 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
Richard Cléroux - Le fouineur politique
