Engineers commissioned by the City of Montreal and Canadian Pacific Railway have issued a recommendation to remove the Rosemont‑Van Horne viaduct and replace it with an underground passage beneath the Canadian Pacific rail line. The report, released on Monday, cites the structure’s dilapidated condition as the primary reason for the proposed demolition.
The aging viaduct currently spans the Canadian Pacific railway in Montreal, serving as a key crossing point for local traffic. City officials have been evaluating options to address the viaduct’s deteriorating state, and the engineering team’s assessment favors a tunnel solution that would run beneath the rail corridor. According to the engineers, constructing an underground route would provide a long‑term replacement for the aging bridge while eliminating the safety concerns associated with its current condition.
The recommendation aligns with the City of Montreal’s broader infrastructure renewal efforts. By removing the viaduct and installing a tunnel, the city aims to modernize the crossing and ensure continued connectivity for motorists and pedestrians. The engineers’ report does not include a timeline for the demolition or tunnel construction, but it emphasizes that the viaduct’s condition requires prompt action to prevent further degradation.
City representatives and Canadian Pacific Railway have indicated that they will review the engineers’ findings before determining the next steps. The proposal represents a significant shift from maintaining the existing structure to pursuing a complete underground solution, reflecting the challenges of aging infrastructure in the region.