Residents worried about impact of MUHC on traffic

More than 100 residents attended a public meeting Tuesday evening to voice concerns about traffic problems they say will be caused bythe new McGill superhospital on the Glen Yards.

Residents from Notre-Dame-de-Grce, St. Henri and Westmount spoke say the nearby Vendme Metro station is already at capacity. Once the newMcGill University Health Centre (MUHC) hospital, is ready, they are concerned the thousands of staff, patients and visitors will lead to congestion in the area.

At the public hearing, residents called for increased Metro service at Vendme station as well as an extra entrance and a covered access to the hospital.

"It would be unfortunate if a world-class facility such as this one couldn't be accessed adequately," said Marlo Turner Ritchie, a member of the St-Raymond Residents Association.

Residents from St. Henri said they are alsoworried about how they will access the hospital while the Turcot interchange is being torn down.

Hospital officials say they will listen to the residents' concerns and continue to work with community groups.

Riachard Fahey, the MUHC's director of public affairs, said they are working diligently with all partners to ensure fluidity of transportation around the centre.

Constructionon the newhospitalis due towrap upin the fall of 2014, and it is set to open early the following year.