Work begins on first phase to extend STM Pie-IX BRT

Work has begun on the first phase to extend the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) Pie-IX bus rapid transit (BRT) between Pierre-De-Coubertin Avenue and Notre-Dame Street East.

Work on the Pie-IX BRT extension will be carried out in four phases until summer 2027 to maintain traffic in both directions and access during construction.

First phase

The first phase involves preparatory work at two intersections: De Rouen Street and Pie-IX Boulevard and Sainte-Catherine Street East and Pie-IX Boulevard. Specifically, the phase includes the construction of access shafts and underground conduits for cabling.

Work will be carried out during the day on weekdays but some work may need to take place in the evenings and on weekends. During the first phase of the work, buses will continue to run on Pie-IX Boulevard. However, some stops may be moved as needed. The phase is expected to be complete in winter 2024.

Canopy management

To add reserved inner lanes, build wider sidewalks and keep all traffic lanes open, the Pie-IX BRT work will require cutting down trees. STM says all project partners have acted in the interest of preserving as many healthy, mature trees as possible on Pie-IX Boulevard. Analyses were conducted with a specialized urban forestry company, in collaboration with the borough, to find the best possible solutions before the start of the work.

STM notes the plan is to plant more than two trees for each one cut down—for a total of 230 trees—while also diversifying the canopy with 12 different species. The new trees will be planted along the side of the road, making the area safer for pedestrians. The felled trees will also be recycled by an organization that uses urban wood to make items such as street furniture.

The report by the urban forestry company can be found at STM’s website.