The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve bike path will remain closed for nearly two months this summer, due to resurfacing work. However, the cycling link with the South Shore will remain open for the duration of the work.
This was announced by the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) in a statement on Thursday morning. The organization recognizes from the outset that “the 2023 season will face some changes”. “Complete resurfacing” of the circuit will have a “significant impact on active and vehicular traffic on Île Notre-Dame, as well as on the training bike,” the group says.
Still in call for tenders, this work must be held in two phases during which it will be forbidden to circulate on the circuit. The first phase will run from July 10 to September 1, and the second will run from September 25 to November 24. Between these two phases, the Esprit Triathlon and the BENEVA Marathon can be held as planned.
These closures are in addition to the blocking of the circuit already announced between May 29 and June 24, due to the Canadian Grand Prix to be held in Montreal.
The SPJD affirms that the work will ultimately have the impact “to improve the experience and the safe cohabitation of users in addition to correcting the ergonomics of the circuit in order to comply with the standards of the International Automobile Federation”.
In principle, this vast project should be completed in the spring of 2024. In addition to the quality of the surface, the call for tenders also plans to improve “the lighting of certain areas of the circuit using LED technology”.
Soon, “clear signage” will be displayed around the circuit to inform users of upcoming closures. Frequent updates will also be made on the Parc Jean-Drapeau website.
Beyond the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, however, the Company is pleased to “maintain a solid offer in terms of mobility by keeping the Rive-Sud cycling link open throughout the duration of the work”. This link is used by just over 200,000 cyclists on an annual basis.
The organization will also improve the offer of “Cyclovias”, events reserved for cyclists, skaters and sports runners, in addition to starting their season earlier. Until May 18, these activities will now take place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
