Montreal's next major infrastructure project is set to get underway Monday, but there could be a couple changes to the original plan.
The multi-year overhaul of Sainte-Catherine St. will involve redeveloping a 2.5-kilometre stretch between Atwater and Bleury. The street will get wider sidewalks, seating areas, intelligent lighting, and charging stations for electric vehicles, free WiFi and new manholes to allow better access to the underground electrical distribution system.
During the revamp the city will be performing crucial work on the street's sewer systems and water mains, all of which date back to the 1800s.
The speed limit will also be lowered to 30 km/h, and at least 60 parking spots will disappear between Aylmer and Mansfield because of the changes.
The first phase of the project, which will last from January to April, will cover Bleury to Mansfield with work on Phillips Square and Place du Frère-André.
Some street closures will be in effect from January to March.
It's expected to cost between $95-million and $130-million.
New Mayor Valerie Plante and her team at City Hall are now in charge of the work, which was announced by former Mayor Denis Coderre. While there has been no official word just yet, some aspects of the makeover could be changed.
The original plan included heated sidewalks but they could be cut because of the problems with a similar system at Vauquelin Square in Old Montreal.
Plante told Le Devoir she sees the results of the heated slabs are inconclusive and is trying to determine if they are the best way to spend Montrealers' tax money.
An issue over the summer forced the city to replace the system heating the sidewalks and as of right now it is still not operational. Plante told the newspaper repairs and new configurations should have the system up and running by mid-February.
Work will be done weekdays between 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. with the possibility of contractors being called to work 24/7, including holidays, in order to meet contractual deadlines.
The project is expected to be completed in 2021.