Future of the Gardiner Expressway - Nanos Research

The City is currently reviewing the projectand approval may come in spring 2009. Theproject cost is estimated at CA $90 million.Urban DesignFrom the perspective of SHM, removingthe Bonaventure Expressway posed keydevelopment opportunities – creating 4.25acres of new development parcels andincreasing the value of Cite Multimediaredevelopment efforts. The Bonaventure hadplayed a role in the area’s decline during the1970s and 80s. In addition, the structureblocked views and diminished pedestrianaccess to Peel Basin, a potential waterfrontamenity.Urban design objectives integratetransportation, open space, and developmentplanning. The new district would, first ofall, provide an entrance to the city and therecently redeveloped Cite Multimedia andQuartier International de Montreal. Though theplan proposes expanding Rues Duke andNarazeth from three to four lanes, improvedpublic transit is planned to reduce overalltraffic demand. Light rail is proposed to serveas a link within Montreal’s waterfront tramsystem.Other key objectives are pedestrian andbicycle realm improvements. In particular,the plan includes an underground pedestriannetwork connecting Montreal Metro stationswith new office and residential destinations.Rendering of proposed condition.Rendering of proposed condition.Removal of the Bonaventure Expressway willcreate parcels for new development.Bonaventure Expressway Section – After (Proposed)SECTION V: Case studies 27