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Regional Boards => Canada => Topic started by: Dr Frankenstein on October 02, 2011, 11:42:51 PM

Title: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 02, 2011, 11:42:51 PM
East section:

West section:
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on October 11, 2011, 09:56:25 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FPQ%2FA%2F30%2FA30_pont_StLaurent_forum.jpg&hash=f1d9df56abffba061dd6cfb7b92d89093b64b766)
This is the new bridge over the Saint Lawrence taken in September.  I would have liked to have checked out the progress of the short tunnel when I took this photo, but alas, I was running out of daylight.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 14, 2011, 07:52:35 PM
I live less than an hour from there, and I didn't take the time check the tunnel out.

Another update; the Route 205 overpass, a few blocks from my house, opened yesterday.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: ARMOURERERIC on October 14, 2011, 09:40:16 PM
So, is the main bridge over the St. Lawrence under construction yet?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 14, 2011, 09:45:23 PM
It's the one AsphaltPlanet posted.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 07, 2011, 08:56:18 PM
This morning, the section between A-15 and A-930 (old 30 through Delson) was opened, finishing a direct link between Châteauguay and Sorel-Tracy.

One more section is left to be opened, from Châteauguay westwards to Vaudreuil-Dorion, planned for December 2012.

Photos/video to come.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on November 08, 2011, 08:29:36 PM
Do you know, are they going to update the kilometre markers along A-30 in Bécancour because of the realignment?  It would make sense, but the little stub of A-30 seems pretty forgotten through there.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Stephane Dumas on November 08, 2011, 09:41:41 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on November 08, 2011, 08:29:36 PM
Do you know, are they going to update the kilometre markers along A-30 in Bécancour because of the realignment?  It would make sense, but the little stub of A-30 seems pretty forgotten through there.

I guess they'll update them.  Speaking of that stub, some folks wants to see the stub extended to Nicolet as well as extending A-30 to Yamaska in this French article
http://monteregieweb.com/main+fr+01_300+Les_elus_rencontrent_le_MTQ_la_semaine_prochaine.html?ArticleID=725761&JournalID=9
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 08, 2011, 11:36:36 PM
I drove the new section this evening. A-930 is unsigned if it exists at all, the only shields shown WB are 132 and 15. The 132 shield is messed up on the diagrammatic signs for that exit.

EB, the advance signs aren't up yet for the A-15 exit; for now, the temporary signs are still there, with the "BARRÉ" ("CLOSED") patched over. The word "DÉTOUR VIA A-15" still appear though despite being obsolete, so I hope these signs get replaced quick The exit direction sign is up, though.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on August 22, 2012, 04:10:30 AM
A couple of photos from earlier in the summer from Autoroute 20 East:

The advanced signage for the new A-30 interchange:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FPQ%2FA%2F20%2FA20_dv_28-7_east_May12_forum.jpg&hash=41b8350172bef67e440c893b376a8c98f064f9c5)

At the actual split:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FPQ%2FA%2F20%2FA20_dv_29_east_May12_forum.jpg&hash=add36084e29525250eef53275422fb2f442394f6)

I have to think that some sections of the new freeway would have received top coarse pavement by now, and maybe some signs and striping.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on August 22, 2012, 07:39:17 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on November 08, 2011, 11:36:36 PMI drove the new section this evening. A-930 is unsigned if it exists at all, the only shields shown WB are 132 and 15. The 132 shield is messed up on the diagrammatic signs for that exit.

Some A-930 shields went up in the last year. Exits do not look like they will be ever numbered, though.

Quote from: AsphaltPlanetI have to think that some sections of the new freeway would have received top coarse pavement by now, and maybe some signs and striping.

If I recall correctly, I attest that some signs were standing as early as Spring, at least around Châteauguay and Valleyfield, before pavement. Dr Frankenstein could confirm that info.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on August 26, 2012, 02:16:38 AM
The only new sign that I can think of right now is the new overhead on 132 in Châteauguay. Pavement is done in most areas, except, of course, the bridges. The current progress on the St. Lawrence River and Beauharnois Canal river bridges is giving me a bit of a feeling that they might run late. We'll see.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Ian on September 19, 2012, 08:43:05 PM
For what it's worth (and sorry for the bump), this is what the A-20/A-540 interchange going westbound looked like back in late August...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8443%2F8004694841_18b9a92035_z.jpg&hash=402cc160173bd2886bb268e8d3ceb0b149d4fb8d)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8450%2F8004694569_19415b54c4_z.jpg&hash=c1431c29ea9df3fa33d74045c45a984f70b1b6c3)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8303%2F8004694431_ecc60d39e5_z.jpg&hash=805eeb65aa6a04e5c5db7c62a92d0a5ff85083f2)

And the very first sign on A-540 northbound looks like it's ready for the exit number change:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8032%2F8004694243_8edb025222_z.jpg&hash=5bc2b8bc5639e99028dbb9adb63575a5648de300)
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: xcellntbuy on September 19, 2012, 09:43:47 PM
The Autoroute shields look a little squashed.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on September 20, 2012, 09:48:53 AM
Shit, I didn't know they changed the signs! Thanks!
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on October 07, 2012, 11:50:04 PM
The Hwy 236 overpass is in service.

The Hwy 205 interchange is complete: construction, lighting, striping, etc. Only the signage is missing.

Signage is up for the A-530 exit from A-30, at least from the bridge. Châteauguay will definitely be dropped as a control city.

A-530 is progressing well. The St. Lawrence River bridge is complete at least on one side, someone even got arrested after crossing it by car.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Stephane Dumas on October 12, 2012, 08:58:26 AM
There some aerial pictures taken in July and August showing A-30 construction near Beauharnois Canal.
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=190293&page=66
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 10:17:22 AM
Ribbon cutting will take place on 12 December and the highway will be open to traffic on 15 December.
http://www.hebdosregionaux.ca/monteregie/2012/11/16/la-30-dans-moins-de-30-jours

Video and photos:
http://www.hebdosregionaux.ca/monteregie/2012/11/18/la-30-en-photos-et-video
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: oscar on November 19, 2012, 11:22:27 AM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 10:17:22 AM
Ribbon cutting will take place on 12 December and the highway will be open to traffic on 15 December.

Thanks.  Do you know whether all of A-530 (including its connection to the new A-30 segment) will also be open by 15 December?  My guess, from a photo at exit 13 of an uncovered BGS for A-530 in one of the articles you linked to, is that it will be.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 11:58:55 AM
I drove A-530 two weeks ago and it's pretty much already finished. They're working on finishing up noise barriers and signage. It is still signed as A-30 and will probably be until the last minute, although it is already internally known as route 00530.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on November 19, 2012, 07:25:47 PM
I am looking forward to seeing A-30 completed myself.  Will you be driving it on opening day Dr?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 07:35:51 PM
I will try for sure!

Aerial video:
http://tvanouvelles.ca/video/1974281354001
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: vdeane on November 19, 2012, 07:50:31 PM
Wait, is that a toll booth I saw?  I assumed it was going to be all-electronic like A-25.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 08:01:35 PM
Yup, it has conventional toll booths because it is expected to serve through (non-local) traffic bypassing Montreal. Since Canada does not have a program like EZ-Pass, non-locals are unlikely to have a compatible tag, therefore an all-electronic system would be impractical.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 19, 2012, 08:37:37 PM
Where exactly is the tolled section, the bridge?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 10:30:28 PM
I think the toll barrier is between the bridge over St. Lawrence River and the tunnel under Canal Soulanges.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Duke87 on November 19, 2012, 11:07:27 PM
So, no free rides for Americans then...
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 20, 2012, 09:29:47 AM
Nope. :p

This morning, they were installing BGSes on side roads. I drove across the crew installing the signs on route 205 (interchange 26), and the truck had more panels on its bed including those for Chemin du Canal (unsigned 61342, interchange 17). The mainline BGSes for interchange 26 weren't installed yet so I assume they're coming very soon too.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: vdeane on November 20, 2012, 11:06:11 AM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on November 19, 2012, 08:01:35 PM
Yup, it has conventional toll booths because it is expected to serve through (non-local) traffic bypassing Montreal. Since Canada does not have a program like EZ-Pass, non-locals are unlikely to have a compatible tag, therefore an all-electronic system would be impractical.
They could always partner with ON 407 to join EZ-Pass ;) The Peace Bridge did.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on November 20, 2012, 01:23:35 PM
Monseigneur-Langlois bridge and the nine (9) ones over Saint-Charles River will remain open, for those who would not want to overload their credit card nor manipulate these yucky, trashy canadian coins ;-)

Also, prepaid transponders will be available over the Internets.

Peace Bridge is joint US/Canada administration, IIRC, hence the american payment option - the EZ-Pass.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Duke87 on November 20, 2012, 09:26:11 PM
Quote from: webfil on November 20, 2012, 01:23:35 PM
Monseigneur-Langlois bridge and the nine (9) ones over Saint-Charles River will remain open, for those who would not want to overload their credit card nor manipulate these yucky, trashy canadian coins ;-)

This doesn't help anyone clinch the new highway.  ;-)

My concern is more how would the toll collector handle someone who cannot speak French. I expect no accommodation since it is not a federal bridge.

Any idea how much the toll will be?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 21, 2012, 12:06:49 AM
Not 100% sure. 30¢-70¢ per axle, last I heard.

Since the highway will handle traffic from both Ontario and Montreal's English-speaking West Island neighbourhoods, there will probably be at least basic service in English.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on November 21, 2012, 10:23:32 AM
I wouldn't be too worried, when is the last time you had to speak to a toll booth collector anywhere?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 21, 2012, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on November 21, 2012, 10:23:32 AM
I wouldn't be too worried, when is the last time you had to speak to a toll booth collector anywhere?

When they tell you how much your toll is. I don't really even know any French numbers beyond 5 or so. And yes, there may be a sign listing toll rates posted, but suppose you missed the sign or for some reason paid the wrong amount?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on November 22, 2012, 12:56:29 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 21, 2012, 10:44:11 AM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on November 21, 2012, 10:23:32 AM
I wouldn't be too worried, when is the last time you had to speak to a toll booth collector anywhere?

When they tell you how much your toll is. I don't really even know any French numbers beyond 5 or so. And yes, there may be a sign listing toll rates posted, but suppose you missed the sign or for some reason paid the wrong amount?

You have to cross at least 3 signs like this :
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.larevue.qc.ca%2FCGUploadDir%2Fimages%2Fa16ponta25_u110906140450.jpg&hash=69cf25c87f136015163cdd890826b00ff36ca240)
La revue de cœur et d'action

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.courrierlaval.com%2Fmedia%2Fphotos%2Funis%2F2011%2F09%2F16%2Fphoto_1848196_resize.jpg&hash=d41f3d9269261ef5d2491ed9b5c71e920d74628b)
Le Courrier de Laval

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftvanouvelles.ca%2Farchives%2Flcn%2Finfos%2Fregional%2Fmedia%2F2011%2F08%2F20110824-162324-a.jpg&hash=74da81a42b293ed695c7e8ca12d4d6b974d5755d)
TVA Nouvelles

If you do not understand, after 3 signs, that the car pictogram represents you, the numbers in the VMD represent an amount and the "$" sign means "dollars", then you are doomed... Moreover, if you miss the 3 signs, then pay attention!

According to the 2011 census, Over 60% of the greater Montréal have a good, very good knowledge of the English language or have it has mother-tongue. You'd be out of luck picking a booth where the clerk is unable to gabble the amount you have to pay, even if it is in approximate English...

Anyway, if you are not prepared to use other languages when foreign travelling, you will be better off home, safe and sound.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on November 22, 2012, 02:12:11 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I did. Sorry 'bout that.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.

And every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.  Grow up.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Duke87 on November 22, 2012, 06:06:14 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.

Or have fixed signs with the toll rate.

Really, there isn't any typical interaction that isn't basic. Practically speaking there's no problem. It's a purely emotional issue of being intimidated by the idea of having to talk to someone who doesn't speak your language.

Hell, even when people do speak my language, I prefer interacting with a machine for things like this. Talking to real people takes more effort.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 06:13:53 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.

And every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.  Grow up.

First of all, insulting other members is rude. I don't see how it is juvenile of me to comment on the fact that I find Quebec toll rate signs more informative and understandable than their US counterparts. I've noticed you always seem to have this chip on your shoulder. You really should take care of that.

Secondly, I've been through countless tolls where I don't know how much they cost. The only time I've ever seen a digital display ahead of the toll booth is on Delaware Route 1, where there is ONE advance sign, rather than multiple ones like in the example. What I'm used to is the signs found on the New Hampshire turnpikes: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BOGbjkZEWNY/SkGWHoHQIbI/AAAAAAAAI98/xg9O0u__120/s855/IMG_6072.JPG

Yes, toll rates are generally clearly posted in the US, I just think those Quebec examples are even better. I don't see why you have a problem with that.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Alps on November 23, 2012, 04:57:47 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.

And every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.  Grow up.
I was just through two plazas on I-376 (PA) where I only got by because I had memorized the rates beforehand. I did eventually locate toll rate signs at both plazas, but there was nothing in advance to help you prepare your coins.

BTW, everyone here should grow up. Including me. Oh, look, I just did ever so slightly. Magic.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: InterstateNG on November 25, 2012, 02:41:52 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 06:13:53 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.

And every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.  Grow up.

First of all, insulting other members is rude. I don't see how it is juvenile of me to comment on the fact that I find Quebec toll rate signs more informative and understandable than their US counterparts. I've noticed you always seem to have this chip on your shoulder. You really should take care of that.

Secondly, I've been through countless tolls where I don't know how much they cost. The only time I've ever seen a digital display ahead of the toll booth is on Delaware Route 1, where there is ONE advance sign, rather than multiple ones like in the example. What I'm used to is the signs found on the New Hampshire turnpikes: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BOGbjkZEWNY/SkGWHoHQIbI/AAAAAAAAI98/xg9O0u__120/s855/IMG_6072.JPG

Yes, toll rates are generally clearly posted in the US, I just think those Quebec examples are even better. I don't see why you have a problem with that.

Where's the insult?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: deathtopumpkins on November 25, 2012, 09:15:16 AM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 25, 2012, 02:41:52 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 06:13:53 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on November 22, 2012, 05:52:03 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on November 22, 2012, 01:54:16 PM
^You so completely horribly missed my point.

I'm not some moron. I was merely telling AsphaltPlanet that you do frequently actually have to talk to toll collectors.

And I've never seen a Quebec toll rates sign before. It's nice to see that they're much more informative and easy to understand than most of their US counterparts.

And every toll booth I've ever gone through displays what you owe right there at the booth digitally.  Grow up.

First of all, insulting other members is rude. I don't see how it is juvenile of me to comment on the fact that I find Quebec toll rate signs more informative and understandable than their US counterparts. I've noticed you always seem to have this chip on your shoulder. You really should take care of that.

Secondly, I've been through countless tolls where I don't know how much they cost. The only time I've ever seen a digital display ahead of the toll booth is on Delaware Route 1, where there is ONE advance sign, rather than multiple ones like in the example. What I'm used to is the signs found on the New Hampshire turnpikes: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BOGbjkZEWNY/SkGWHoHQIbI/AAAAAAAAI98/xg9O0u__120/s855/IMG_6072.JPG

Yes, toll rates are generally clearly posted in the US, I just think those Quebec examples are even better. I don't see why you have a problem with that.

Where's the insult?

Really? Really?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on November 26, 2012, 09:49:52 AM
As of last night, A-530 in Valleyfield is signed, nearly complete and open to traffic on both carriageways (until exit 9/ Boulevard Pie-XII/unsigned 60990, of course). The exit 5 trumpet with Boulevard Monseigneur-Langlois (132/201) is therefore complete and fully open.

The EB side has both lanes open at full 100 km/h speed (the former 2-lane highway was posted at 90), the WB side has only one lane due to the ongoing completion of the noise barrier on that side.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: bcaven on December 12, 2012, 11:35:31 PM
According to the Montréal Gazette, A-30 opens on Saturday!

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Highway+long+will+open+road+last/7690949/story.html (http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Highway+long+will+open+road+last/7690949/story.html)
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 14, 2012, 10:14:42 PM
I'm getting reports from facebook friends that it's open as of right now. I'm itching to go. I'm not seeing traffic from my backyard window, I might have to hop in my car.

EDIT: The reports were bogus. Still, it will be open tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 15, 2012, 01:57:35 PM
A-30 is now open! :D
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2012/12/15/montreal-quebec-highway-30-opens.html
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 15, 2012, 05:44:36 PM
It is, and I clinched it as soon as I could. :p
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: ghYHZ on December 15, 2012, 05:54:02 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 15, 2012, 05:44:36 PM
It is, and I clinched it as soon as I could. :p

I plan to clinch it Boxing Day on the way to Ottawa........and what a pleasure that drive will be now!
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: cpzilliacus on December 15, 2012, 06:18:15 PM
Quote from: webfil on November 20, 2012, 01:23:35 PM
Peace Bridge is joint US/Canada administration, IIRC, hence the american payment option - the EZ-Pass.

No technical reason that E-ZPass could not be expanded to include Canadian jurisdictions.  With the increasing popularity of all-electronic toll collection (the concept was first implemented on Highway 407 in Ontario), toll roads and toll crossings in Canada (from Ontario east) really should join the E-ZPass IAG.

U.S. states and Canadian provinces have implemented apportioned truck and bus registration plates (most U.S. states and Canadian provinces participate), details here (http://www.irponline.org/), as well as road use taxes for those vehicles (sometimes called fuel tax stickers, details here (http://www.iftach.org/)).
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: vdeane on December 16, 2012, 09:20:13 AM
I think this article or another mentioned something about transponder registration - are the A-30 and A-25 transponders inter-operable, or does Montreal now how two transponders that aren't comparable with each other?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 16, 2012, 10:18:11 AM
One guy already posted a time-lapse video of A-30.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on December 16, 2012, 02:01:21 PM
Quote from: ghYHZ on December 15, 2012, 05:54:02 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 15, 2012, 05:44:36 PM
It is, and I clinched it as soon as I could. :p

I plan to clinch it Boxing Day on the way to Ottawa........and what a pleasure that drive will be now!

Expect heavy traffic between A-20 and R-104, with those humongous shopping centres (Promenades Saint-Bruno and Quartier 10-30) : Not related to the newly opened portion, it is pretty much the case each year, as the road is already nearing capacity between A-10 and A-20.

Anyway, I don't see how giving a hand to urban sprawl will alleviate congestion problems.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: vdeane on December 16, 2012, 04:20:54 PM
Simple: through traffic can now bypass downtown Montreal.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Duke87 on December 16, 2012, 05:36:37 PM
Quote from: webfil on December 16, 2012, 02:01:21 PM
Anyway, I don't see how giving a hand to urban sprawl will alleviate congestion problems.

You're talking about a sizable city where there are farm fields as close as 10 km to downtown. What sprawl?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: ghYHZ on December 16, 2012, 06:04:51 PM
Quote from: webfil on December 16, 2012, 02:01:21 PM
Quote from: ghYHZ on December 15, 2012, 05:54:02 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 15, 2012, 05:44:36 PM
It is, and I clinched it as soon as I could. :p

I plan to clinch it Boxing Day on the way to Ottawa........and what a pleasure that drive will be now!

Expect heavy traffic between A-20 and R-104, with those humongous shopping centres (Promenades Saint-Bruno and Quartier 10-30)........................

Yes, those Boxing Day crowds.......forgot about that! :)
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: cpzilliacus on December 16, 2012, 07:42:38 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on December 16, 2012, 05:36:37 PM
Quote from: webfil on December 16, 2012, 02:01:21 PM
Anyway, I don't see how giving a hand to urban sprawl will alleviate congestion problems.

You're talking about a sizable city where there are farm fields as close as 10 km to downtown. What sprawl?

Not quite that close, but there are farm fields just over 18 km from the U.S. Capitol Dome (and inside the Capital Beltway)  in Prince George's County, Maryland.

And in spite of that, traffic on much of the metropolitan Washington highway network is terrible.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 16, 2012, 08:51:15 PM
The portion of A-30 between A's 10 and 20 will probably suffer a lot. I don't understand why, as they were repaving it a few years ago, they didn't take the opportunity to upgrade it to 6 lanes. The section around the Boulevard Clairevue interchange in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville was getting congested daily back in 2008-2009 when I worked there. I can't imagine what it'll be like now that the Montreal bypass is active.

Regarding the video: Daaamn the place name annotations are so off.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Duke87 on December 16, 2012, 11:43:38 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 16, 2012, 07:42:38 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on December 16, 2012, 05:36:37 PM
Quote from: webfil on December 16, 2012, 02:01:21 PM
Anyway, I don't see how giving a hand to urban sprawl will alleviate congestion problems.

You're talking about a sizable city where there are farm fields as close as 10 km to downtown. What sprawl?

Not quite that close, but there are farm fields just over 18 km from the U.S. Capitol Dome (and inside the Capital Beltway)  in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Different. That's a little smattering of farms surrounded by otherwise suburban development. In Montreal's case, go south of Saint-Constant and bam! City vanishes and you're in a rural area. It's actually rather disconcerting when driving - from an American perspective where I'm used to there being a very gradual transition between urban and rural, anyway.

Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: haljackey on December 17, 2012, 11:49:48 AM
What's up with the old school toll booths? This is the 21st century.... New roads shouldn't have them.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on December 17, 2012, 03:03:36 PM
Quote from: deanej on December 16, 2012, 04:20:54 PM
Simple: through traffic can now bypass downtown Montreal.

There is not that much through traffic. Studies have shown that the greatest impact will be on A-20 in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, where at most 250 vehicles a day will use A-30 instead. Elsewhere on the island, the impact is minimal, especially downtown (A-15/A-40/Papineau/A-720 grid) : At most, 60 vehicles per day will be removed from the 200k vpd Décarie. It should still raise by 840 vehicles per day on Turcot/Champlain section.

Montréal, especially Saint-Laurent, Dorval and Lachine boroughs, is a turning plate for transportation. A ring road that avoids that area misses the point.

GRUHM, a group of architects and urban planners, have proposed for over 15 years a bonification of the "inner" ring road, A-13, R-138, A-30, A-25 and A-440 : the completion of the 4-kilometre A-730/Mercier bridge missing link and optimization of A-20 between A-13 and R-138 for north-south movements would really have served the current strong demand for transportation in the western part of the Island, but also in the upcoming Laval, Anjou and Brossard industrial centres.

The actual routing of the ring road via Valleyfield and Beauharnois just give a help to housing south of A-30, with psychological effect of a secure and fast road facilitating movements.

Congestion on the island will not be alleviated by ring roads, as there is not that much through traffic, but by enlarging the capacity and fluidity of the on-island roads.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 17, 2012, 03:19:16 PM
Toll roads are rare in Canada, and those that exist have non-interoperable tags (we don't have EZPass or anything similar). It works well for local and commuter traffic, but when the toll road is a bypass for through traffic, you have to expect nearly half (or even more) of that traffic to be tag-less.

If you decide to go with toll-by-plate, you have to spend on resources for mailing bills for every non-local motorist that goes through the toll, and processing the payments (or trying to collect late payers) for every account. Most highway agencies decide to tack on processing fees for that. And you need to get agreements with all the DMVs and MoTs in the vincinity to get the motorists' addresses from their plate numbers.

As I said, it works well if the highway has a vast majority of tag traffic, but it's not the case here. The processing fees (usually $5, bumping the toll to $6.50 for ALL non-locals) would drive the traffic away from it and the highway would just not serve its purpose.

And no, travelers won't stop to get a tag. Even if there are no fees. Plus, imagine what the queues at the customer service office would be like if it was the case. Highways are supposed to speed you up, not slow you down.

I would suppose that joining EZPass or creating something similar would be possible, but seeing that neither of 407ETR, A25 and A30Express have done it, something must be keeping them from doing it.

EDIT:
Now, regarding urban sprawl. I agree, urban sprawl is somewhat of an issue, but so is congestion in those suburban areas. And it existed.

I don't know how many people moved out of Montreal to the Southwest in the last 20 years, but there's one thing I could experience first-hand ever since I started driving: Highway 132 had probably exceeded its design capacity long ago. 20 km/h under the limit has almost been the norm between Valleyfield and Châteauguay, and from Saint-Constant to Candiac, it wasn't unusual to get through a signal at the second or third green (this has also been hitting Châteauguay more and more frequently within the last 24 months, with an unpredictable pattern to boot). I don't know what the AADTs, both actual and designed, are; I'm speaking from experience here. I live in Beauharnois and my travel times to Vaudreuil or Delson have been nearly cut in half since the highway opened, for a theoretical speed limit increase of 10 km/h, and a reduction in travel distance of maybe... 10% or less? Going to downtown Châteauguay took 20 minutes in 6 PM traffic (usually doing 75 in almost the entire 90 km/h stretch, + signals and stops). Now it takes 8 minutes.

Sure, Hwy 132 could have been upgraded through the region instead of building a brand new freeway. Beauharnois would certainly have needed a bypass since the highway is currently routed through the crowded (and full of stops) Ellice/St-Laurent couplet. Boulevard René-Lévesque (132) in Châteauguay is okay if you don't mind the signals and stops; Saint-Jean-Baptiste (132/138) is probably nearing capacity though. Completing Chemin Saint-Bernard (an unfinished 4-lane connector to the Mercier Bridge) would have been great, but don't expect the natives in Kahnawà:ke to agree. The urban boulevard through Saint-Constant/Sainte-Catherine/Delson/Candiac was visibly at or above capacity before the bypass came around (it was on my commute back when I worked in Saint-Bruno; my average speed on that section was around 30 km/h, and dipping below on bad days).

But upgrading Highway 132 would have been a costly thing, and then you'd still need money to upgrade the highways throughout the City, which I hope will happen as well no matter what. To be honest, it was one or other, and the loser would still rot in traffic.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: vdeane on December 17, 2012, 03:38:24 PM
I think it's interesting that A-25 and A-30 aren't inter-operable with each other.  Also, if they have a tag, it would have been nice to have ORT lanes with the booths on the outside (similar to the setup in places like Florida or the Woodbury barrier on the Thruway), but maybe they don't want to set up a violation system either.

I wonder if Canadian privacy laws have anything to do with this.  Someone from Ontario told me that ON 407 can't bill cars outside of Ontario for this reason, and Doug never did get a bill from A-25 as far as I know.

As for the need of the road, I think the people talking about how their trips will be an hour shorter and the amount of trucks that were in Beauharnois speaks for itself.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 17, 2012, 03:53:29 PM
Quote from: deanej on December 17, 2012, 03:38:24 PMI wonder if Canadian privacy laws have anything to do with this.  Someone from Ontario told me that ON 407 can't bill cars outside of Ontario for this reason, and Doug never did get a bill from A-25 as far as I know.

I think it used to be true. I remember my parents getting no bill from 407ETR back in 2005... but now they have signs saying "Non-Ontario plates will be billed", and sure enough, I get billed every time.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Transportfan on December 18, 2012, 04:06:26 PM
This freeway should have been numbered as A-20 and the present 20 through Ile perrot and the West Island renumbered 720. That would make 20 seem that much more continuous as the second main route through the Montreal area. The present on-island routing of 20 just doesn't even function as a through-traffic highway at all.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 18, 2012, 04:22:27 PM
That's what I have on my fictional renumbering plan too. But sadly, it is fictional.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on December 18, 2012, 04:48:32 PM
Not that it means anything, but the 2011 Mapart Montreal atlas shows the proposed freeway alignment of A-20 on Ile-Perot.  I don't know when this road will be constructed (and Mapart tends to be eager to show proposed roads), but to my knowledge this is the first time the new alignment has been shown on a map.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 19, 2012, 09:46:42 AM
Really? I'll look on mine.

It also shows the new alignment of Hwy 236 as a completed road (or is it only in the 2012?). It opened less than a week ago.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on December 20, 2012, 03:19:04 PM
A tunnel?!?!  :eyebrow:

WTF is that sh*t? That canal has not seen a ship in a zillion years! It's not even navigable!!

I thought they would fill out the b*tch and save a couple of bucks by building a single overpass for R-338.

How are they going to maintain the whole thing? How a friggin' tunnel is supposed to be the best way to cross an abandoned canal?
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 20, 2012, 04:00:14 PM
If I recall correctly, it was for environmental reasons. Something about an ecosystem in the canal.

(Could also be the mobs... who knows?)

EDIT: Turns out I'm wrong. There would be a serious project about reopening the canal.
Newspaper article (French) (http://www.hebdosregionaux.ca/monteregie/2010/09/22/un-defi-dingenierie)

NA30 Newsletter article in English (http://www.autoroute30.qc.ca/documents/6/MTQ-LettreVol2n6_An_Web.pdf)
NA30 Newsletter article in French (http://www.autoroute30.qc.ca/documents/6/MTQ-LettreVol2n6_Fr_Web.pdf)
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Alps on December 20, 2012, 10:50:22 PM
Too bad we haven't seen the first Autoroute with a drawbridge.
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: ghYHZ on December 21, 2012, 05:37:56 AM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 20, 2012, 04:00:14 PM
EDIT: Turns out I'm wrong. There would be a serious project about reopening the canal.
[

There's certainly potential for reopening the Soulanges when you look at what was done just down river at the Lachine Canal.......and it lay dormant for 40 years.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine/natcul.aspx

Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on December 21, 2012, 01:53:18 PM
I wonder why they build pillars for R-201 Monseigneur-Langlois bridge right in the middle of the canal and added a new dyke like two years ago, then...
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on January 05, 2013, 12:58:56 AM
PICTURES!

A-30, starting at the 21st photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13137334@N06/sets/72157627658493878/
A-530, starting at the 4rd: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13137334@N06/sets/72157628397261517/
Title: Re: A-30 Updates
Post by: webfil on January 05, 2013, 12:00:59 PM
I expected much better signage for tolls than those VMS (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13137334@N06/8313961204/in/set-72157627658493878). They still sign it 3 times in advance, though I prefer the pictogrammatic signs with 4-digit VMS in them (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5378.msg186214#msg186214), which make the thing easier to read ―or at least more intuitive― than a whole VMS crammed full with 3 whole lines of text.

Those lineups at the barrier with only one lane closed are a great incentive towards buying a transponder.