Formula E prep slows traffic in downtown Montreal

Construction of the Formula E racetrack through downtown Montreal has begun, and that means delays and detours for people trying to move through the east end of the city.

Ren-LvesqueBoulevard East is once again open to traffic after workers erected gates along the road overnight Wednesday, but drivers will find the road much slower due to lane closures.

Access toRen-LvesqueBoulevard East from side streets is also once again possible.

The Formula E races, taking place on Sat., July 29, and Sun., July 30,featurefully electriccarsthat can reach speeds up to 225kilometresper hour.

• Red flag for east-end residents as city builds Formula E track

The perimeter of the race track will be: Papineau Avenue to the east, St-Antoine Streetto the south, Berri Street to the west and Ren-Lvesque Boulevardto the north.

On Wednesday morning, access toPapineauheading south offRen-Lvesquewas blocked and police were on the scene to direct traffic.

AnSPVMofficer told CBC News they only find out the morning of which streets will be blocked because of Formula E work.

Many bus routes and stops have been modified for the next ten days, andSTM has a complete list of route changes online.

Notable changes include no service at bus stops west of AssomptionMetro station on express lines 410 and 430.

The Formula E preparationshave added extra travel time for pedestrians and cyclists as well.

"I've only been here since July, so it's been noisy since July, but I ride my bike and it's kind of troublesome going to work," cyclist Fannie Lauzon said.

Once the races are over on July 30, it will still take another 10 days to dismantle the course, so traffic will continue to be slow.