A diesel spill on Tuesday morning forced officials to shut the northbound ramp of Highway 13, creating a backup that spilled onto the westbound lanes of Highway 20 in Montreal. The incident disrupted traffic flow on two of the city’s key commuter arteries, prompting drivers to seek alternate routes.
Emergency crews responded to the spill shortly after it was reported, sealing off the Highway 13 ramp to prevent further contamination and to allow for cleanup operations. With the ramp unavailable, vehicles heading north on Highway 13 were forced to merge elsewhere, while the resulting queue extended onto Highway 20 westbound, a route that handles a large volume of daily commuters.
Motorists encountered a noticeable slowdown as the backup grew, with the closure persisting throughout the morning period. The spill’s location on a major thoroughfare meant that the impact was felt by commuters traveling across the city and those heading toward surrounding suburbs.
Authorities emphasized that diesel spills on busy roadways often lead to lane closures and traffic delays, a pattern reflected in this event. While the exact duration of the closure was not disclosed, officials indicated that cleanup efforts were underway to restore normal traffic conditions as quickly as possible.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Montreal’s transportation network to hazardous material incidents. Residents and commuters were advised to stay informed through traffic updates and to consider alternative routes while the spill was being addressed.
As the cleanup progressed, the northbound ramp of Highway 13 remained closed, and the backup on Highway 20 westbound gradually eased. Drivers were reminded to exercise caution around the affected area and to follow any directions issued by law enforcement and emergency personnel.