From one rotary interchange to another

When the first rotary interchange was created at the corner of Île-des-Soeurs Boulevard and René-Lévesque Boulevard, several residents had predicted a monstrous congestion that could generate numerous accidents in this particular area. These predictions were even more catastrophic when the second rotary interchange was developed at the island’s entry point. Some traffic experts quickly pointed to an everyday nightmare during rush hour...

None of these predictions came true. Sure, there were major traffic problems in the last few months, but it is certainly not due to the way the rotary interchanges were constructed. If the decision had been made to install stop signs or even traffic lights at these interchanges, the traffic problems would have been more massive. It has been shown everywhere from other countries’ experiences that rotary interchanges tend to make the flow of traffic more fluid assuring a higher degree of safety to both pedestrians and drivers.

What remains is that the construction of three other rotary intersections in addition to a network of interchange ramps and viaducts will make traffic in the island sufficiently complex. Fortunately, all the work will be undertaken gradually and island residents will be able to familiarise themselves with the new road infrastructure. Information campaigns will nevertheless be carried out during various stages of the work as it progresses.

In this context, it is perhaps time to think of names for the different rotary interchanges. Generally, the interchange in front of the Sax complex has been designated as “the interchange at the island’s entry.” This designation will soon no longer be true because for most residents, the island’s first entry point will be at the northern tip. And there will be three other rotary interchanges...

Moreover, calling it a first or second rotary interchange could cause some confusion. Will the first interchange of the island be the one that was built first, or that which a resident will first arrive at as he or she reaches the island?

It is certainly possible to find names that will be representative and that are, by preference, short names in order to identify the existing rotary interchanges and those that will be built. One thing is certain: these interchanges will be useful to delivery trucks and visitors without necessarily costing a fortune to build. They will also significantly facilitate the work of those who, like this writer, try to provide information regarding this subject.

Photo : à venir de Martin