Massive flooding shuts down Galipeault Bridge, schools

As flooding continues to wreak havoc across Quebec, officialshave been forced to shut down a vital stretch of road and close several schools in and around the island of Montreal.

TheGalipeaultBridge, a major artery connecting the island ofle-Perrot and Montreal along Highway 20, is completely closed to trafficdue to mounting water accumulation.

• Fulllist of school closures:CBC Montreal's Storm Centre page

Authorities were forced to close the bridge in both directions shortlyafter 7 p.m. on Sunday as high water levels have nearly reached the bottom of the structure.

"It's a safety measure to make sure the area is safe for drivers," saidTransports Qubecspokesperson Martin Girard, adding they are monitoring the structural integrity of the bridge.

• Whoto call, where to go: Everything you need to know about the flooding

Girard could not say when the bridge may reopen and that it will depend on the level of water around the bridge.

TransportsQubecare askingmotoristsin the area to stay home if possible. Girardsuggests that if residents must come onto the island of Montreal they takeHighway 40 through Vaudreuil-DorionorHighway 30.

Residents have also been told tosteer clear of the area for their own safety by theSretduQubec.

• Montreal, Laval declare states of emergency over flooding

This comes as both Montreal and Lavaldeclared states of emergency on Sunday amid risingfloodwaters caused by days of steadyrainfall. So far, more than 120 municipalities are affected by flooding, according to Urgence Qubec.

Floodwaters close several schools

Several schools will also be closed in and around the island of Montrealon Monday as high water levels continue to wreak havoc across Quebec.

Lester B. Pearson School Board has declared all of itsschools,centres and daycaresclosed on Monday due to the flooding.