Rough roads that are under provincial jurisdiction were again discussed when Lachute council met on July 5.

In June, the town temporarily posted signs by some of the worst sections of roads in the municipality, telling people to call and complain to the Ministère des transports du Québec (MTQ), which is responsible for those roads.

One of the areas is the intersection of rue Principale and avenue de la Providence, which is part of Routes 148 and 327. A second is where avenue Bethany crosses Autoroute 50 – the road and ramps are very rough and in poor condition.

Mayor Carl Péloquin responded to a question from a citizen about what was being done by the MTQ and if the town had made any progress with its efforts.

Péloquin said work has been done on rue Principale and avenue de la Providence intersection and more will be done, but the MTQ was delayed.

“They have assured us more work in this area will follow,” the mayor said.

As for the other improvements that are required – including at avenue Bethany and Autoroute 50 – talks continue with the MTQ.

Péloquin thanked everyone who called the MTQ following the town’s sign campaign.

Speed reduction

Lachute council has approved a notice of motion and deposit for a two-year pilot project with an objective to reduce speeding on four streets in the municipality.

Under the plan introduced to council on July 5, the maximum speed limit will be 40 kilometres per hour on rues Blériot, de l’Alizé, des Vents, et du Grenoble. Police enforcement of the speed limit will also be increased along those streets.

Mayor Carl Péloquin said the streets are in areas where development and traffic is increasing. The town will seek comments from citizens on whether the reduced speed limit and extra enforcement are making a difference.

Downtown plans

The town of Lachute is planning a new concept for the downtown area along rue Principale.

On July 5, council approved contributing $44,325 to the Vivre en ville organization for what Mayor Carl Péloquin described as a project to reimagine the downtown area. He said the project will focus on the medium-term of five to six years into the future.

Péloquin noted further funding from other sources for the project is possible.

“Subsidies are available for projects like this.”