Montreal Closes Highway 25 and Streets for Marathon Weekend

Drivers in Montreal face major traffic disruptions during the Thanksgiving long weekend from October 9 to 13, 2026, as transportation authorities close Highway 25 and the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine Tunnel for fire protection repairs while the Beneva Montreal Marathon brings thousands of runners onto city streets from October 9 to 11.

According to the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable, the highway closures will affect travel between Montreal and the South Shore, while marathon-related restrictions will disrupt traffic across several neighborhoods. Officials expect significant congestion and recommend public transit for people traveling downtown.

The Highway 25 closures will allow crews to replace fire protection panels near the tunnel entrance and vault. CityNews reported that the work addresses damage from incidents and minor collisions over the past year and is necessary to support the planned opening of a second southbound lane by the end of fall.

From Friday, October 9, at 11 p.m. until Sunday, October 11, at 11 p.m., Highway 25 toward the South Shore will be completely closed between the Anjou interchange and the entrance from Île Charron, including the tunnel. Several connecting ramps will also close, and eastbound Souligny Avenue will be shut between Dickson and Honoré-Beaugrand streets.

The ministry recommends using the Champlain Bridge as the detour during the marathon period from October 9 to 11. Starting Sunday, October 11, at 11 p.m., traffic will instead be directed toward the Jacques Cartier Bridge for the subsequent closure period. The entrance from Stinson Street to Highway 40 westbound will be closed from Saturday at 2 a.m. until Sunday at 11 p.m.

Highway 25 toward Montreal will also face overnight closures during the long weekend. The affected sections extend from exit 90, serving Highway 20 westbound and Route 132, to entrances near Sherbrooke Street and Notre-Dame Street West. Authorities say highway entrances will close 30 minutes before the full closures begin.

Separately, eastbound Route 132 will close between Roland-Therrien Boulevard and Highway 20, also known as Jean-Lesage, overnight from October 8 to 9 for maintenance and winterization work. The designated detour will use Marie-Victorin Boulevard.

The 34th edition of the Beneva Montreal Marathon is expected to draw approximately 35,000 runners from 57 countries, according to The Beat 925. Saturday, October 10, will feature the 1-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races, with street closures around Maisonneuve Park scheduled from 6:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Sunday, October 11, will bring broader restrictions for the half-marathon and full marathon. Closures will run from 6:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. across sections of the route, which begins at Espace 67 on Île Sainte-Hélène and crosses the Concorde Bridge before continuing along Notre-Dame Street, through the La Fontaine Park area and along Saint-Joseph Boulevard and Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

Additional restrictions will affect streets in Old Montreal, the Plateau, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie and Ahuntsic-Cartierville. According to MTL Blog, some streets near Gouin Boulevard will be inaccessible to vehicles entering or leaving the affected area while the course is closed. Drivers who need their vehicles during that period are advised to park outside the restricted zone beforehand.

The marathon will also disrupt public transportation. MTL Blog reported that approximately 50 bus routes will be affected Sunday, with some services temporarily canceled and others diverted. Saturday disruptions will affect several routes, including the 18 Beaubien, 136 Viau and 197 Rosemont lines.

The Société de transport de Montréal plans to increase metro service according to expected passenger demand. Jean-Drapeau station is the closest metro stop to Sunday's starting area, while Pie-IX station serves the finish area. Authorities expect Jean-Drapeau, Pie-IX and Viau stations to experience heavier passenger traffic than usual.

Drivers will still be able to cross parts of the marathon route at designated locations, including Route 136, Sherbrooke Street, Des Carrières Street, the Van Horne Viaduct, Highway 40 and the Viau Bridge. The transportation ministry warns that work schedules may change because of adverse weather or operational constraints.