The City of Mercier submitted a petition to the Quebec government on June 27, 2026, demanding action to relieve the long‑standing traffic congestion that plagues Route 138 on Montreal’s South Shore. Municipal officials say the petition reflects growing frustration among local residents who contend with daily gridlock.
Route 138 has been a choke point for years, with commuters regularly reporting slow‑moving traffic and extended travel times. The city’s leadership argues that the problem extends beyond municipal capacity and requires provincial intervention to implement lasting solutions. By formally requesting provincial involvement, Mercier hopes to secure resources and policy changes that could ease the bottleneck.
Local residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with the persistent jams, describing how the congestion disrupts daily routines, lengthens commutes, and hampers economic activity in the area. While no specific figures were provided, community sentiment underscores a collective desire for improved traffic flow.
The petition marks a coordinated effort by the municipal government to bring the issue to the attention of Quebec’s transportation authorities. City officials indicated that the request seeks a comprehensive review of the corridor, potential infrastructure upgrades, and coordinated traffic management strategies.
Provincial officials have not yet responded to the petition, but the move signals a heightened level of municipal advocacy for transportation improvements on the South Shore. The City of Mercier plans to monitor the response and continue pressing for measures that could alleviate the chronic congestion that has become a defining feature of Route 138.
The development adds to a broader pattern of Quebec municipalities seeking provincial support for local infrastructure challenges, highlighting the interplay between city‑level concerns and provincial policy priorities.