City plans to ease Park Ave. frustrations

The City of Montreal is taking steps toease the impact of roadwork on Park Avenue after merchants complained the construction was choking off business.

City officials announced a series of measures Tuesday to coincide with the beginning of the second phase of the construction project.

The measures include major changes to traffic flow including a ban onprivate vehicles from travelling southbound on Park Avenue during the morning rush hour.

Only taxis and buses will be allowed to use the southbound lanebetween 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. startingbetween Oct. 11 until Dec. 3.

The mitigation plan also includes a promotional campaign and the creation of a liaison office to improve communication between the city and the people who live and work in the area.

Richard Deschamps, the executive committee member in charge of economic development, said the city has listened to people's concerns.

He hopes the changes will reduce congestion, improve parking, and make it easier for people to shop along Park Avenue.

"I believe strongly that the new measures we are announcing will reduce the inconvenience associated with replacing the water main on Park Avenue," Deschamps told reporters on Tuesday.

More parking spaces to open up

The city began tearing up various sections of Park Avenue earlier this year as part of a multi-million dollar plan to upgrade the underground water mains, sewers and gas and electrical lines.

Business owners fumed that the construction made it nearly impossible for people to park and shop along the popular commercial strip.

To help improve access to parking, the city will allow vehicles to park on the east side of Park Avenue except between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

An additional 135 parking spots will also be createdin the areas aroundVan Horne Avenue, Hutchison Street and Beaubien Street.

Four delivery zones are also being set up.

The new liaison office will be located at 4801 Park Avenue.

The construction is expected to continue into 2011.