Phase 1 of Lucerne Boulevard reconstruction is officially underway

Sophie Demers 

Work has officially begun on Lucerne; the long-awaited reconstruction will last 42 weeks, with breaks in the winter. For many years, Aylmer residents have been frustrated with the state of the high-traffic road. With the years of potholes, small patches, and daily wear and tear, the road had become what many considered one of the worst roads to drive on in Aylmer. The work is set to be completed by Fall 2026.

The morning of September 22, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Gatineau mayor, along with Aylmer councillor Steven Boivin and Deschênes councillor Caroline Murray, gathered at the site to speak with the construction team and see the work being done.

The reconstruction began on September 15 and focuses on the stretch of Lucerne between Vanier Road and Frank-Robinson. The city states that the work aims to improve driving comfort, safety, and traffic flow. The construction will mean traffic interruptions as work is being completed.

Murray notes that all residents living along this road have been notified of the roadwork in the area.

The work includes the complete repaving of Lucerne, re-working the Frank-Robinson and Lucerne intersection, and replacing street cross drains. Improvements will be made to intersections for road safety. This includes installing new traffic lights at the Grands-Châteaux, Riesling Street and Lucerne intersection. The traffic lights at the Victor-Beaudry intersection will be modified while the Fraser traffic lights will be replaced. These three intersections will also get left-turning lanes. Crosswalks along this section of Lucerne will also get flashing light pedestrian crossing signs.

In terms of improvements to transportation, there will be a bike path added to the side of the road, and the extension of the bike path between Lucerne and Vanier. A sidewalk will be added between Grands-Châteaux and the existing daycare, as well as a path for pedestrians between Victor-Beaudry Street and Vanier Road.

Repairs will be done on the sewer system, and the system will be extended at the intersection of Victor-Beaudry to connect to a future real estate project.

Phase 1 is currently underway, with the work focusing on the road between Elizabeth and Grands-Châteaux Streets. The work on this section will continue until construction breaks for winter. While construction is underway one lane will be closed, and vehicles will be directed by workers. There may be short periods of time when the road is completely closed for specific tasks.