The Jacques-Cartier Bridge in Montreal remains closed to traffic following a major fire that erupted in a historic building at its base. The closure, which began at 6:15 a.m., has created significant delays for commuters on the South Shore.
Fire Response and Bridge Status
As of noon today, Montreal fire department operations chief Martin Guilbault indicated that southbound traffic – heading out of the city – may soon be permitted to resume. However, the primary concern remains the potential for collapse of the vacant industrial building at 1600 De Lorimier Avenue, as well as the risk of falling advertising billboards affixed to its roof. Authorities have stated the structure will be dismantled as a result.
At its peak, 120 firefighters were deployed to combat the four-alarm fire, which originated on the first floor around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. While the fire is now under control, its cause remains undetermined, and it is currently unknown if anyone was inside the building when it began. Montreal police have taken over the investigation.
A Building with History
The building holds a unique place in Montreal’s history. Héritage Montréal notes that the structure “is best known for the curve in the design it forced on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.” When the bridge was planned, Joseph Barsalou refused to sell his thriving soap factory to the construction corporation, necessitating a curve in the bridge’s design to accommodate the existing structure.
The building has changed ownership several times since its construction, including sales to Procter and Gamble in 1935 and Familex, a pharmaceutical company, in 1943. Recent discussions between the Ville-Marie borough and developers had explored integrating the heritage building into the new Quartier des lumières neighbourhood.
Future Development Plans
The property is currently linked to the Bertone Development Corporation, with plans to “reinvent the entrance to the city” and create a new perspective complementing the bridge. In March 2025, the federal government committed $108 million towards the construction of 304 rental units at this location, as part of a larger $278 million investment in Montreal rental housing.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concern regarding fires in vacant buildings in Montreal. Data from CBC News indicates that 11 of 80 serious fires in the greater Montreal area between 2020 and the end of 2023 occurred in vacant structures. A 2023 city bylaw requiring registration of vacant buildings is not yet in force, with full implementation slated for January 1, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to close?
The Jacques-Cartier Bridge closed due to a major fire that broke out in a historic building located at the foot of the span.
Is the bridge structurally damaged?
The bridge itself is not affected by the fire, but authorities are concerned about the potential collapse of the adjacent building and falling debris.
When might the bridge fully reopen?
Authorities have indicated that southbound traffic may resume soon, but a timeline for the full reopening of the bridge has not been provided.
As the investigation continues and the building is dismantled, commuters should anticipate potential disruptions and plan accordingly. How will this incident impact long-term planning for infrastructure and heritage preservation in Montreal?
