Crossing the St. Lawrence is part of daily life for many Brossard residents. This guide is for drivers, cyclists and commuters who want to understand their options for getting to Montreal: the Samuel De Champlain Bridge, the Victoria Bridge and the Jacques Cartier Bridge, tools for checking traffic in real time, and alternatives when the bridges are congested or closed. Last checked: October 2026.
At a glance
- The Samuel De Champlain Bridge, reached via Highway 10, is the most direct link between Brossard and Montreal; it is toll-free.
- It has three lanes in each direction for cars, a central corridor reserved for the REM and a 3.4 km multi-use path open year-round, according to the Government of Canada.
- The Victoria Bridge (via Saint-Lambert) and the Jacques Cartier Bridge (via Longueuil) are the main alternatives.
- In fall 2026, Mobilité Montréal lists 42 major roadwork sites in the region, including work on the Victoria Bridge and its approaches.
- Before leaving, check Québec 511, the Government of Quebec’s official road conditions service.
- The REM, which runs across the Samuel De Champlain Bridge, avoids road congestion.
The three bridges to know from Brossard
| Bridge | Main access from Brossard | Arrival in Montreal | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel De Champlain | Highway 10 | Île-des-Sœurs, then highways 10 and 15 | Toll-free, REM corridor, multi-use path |
| Victoria | Via Saint-Lambert | Pointe-Saint-Charles / Griffintown area | Work on the bridge and its approaches in fall 2026 |
| Jacques Cartier | Via Longueuil | Centre-Sud / Ville-Marie area | Managed by a federal Crown corporation, JCCBI |
The Samuel De Champlain Bridge
Built to replace the old Champlain Bridge, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge opened to traffic in 2019: on June 24 toward Montreal and on July 1 toward the South Shore, according to the Government of Canada. According to Infrastructure Canada’s FAQ, the corridor includes two three-lane decks for cars and a central two-lane corridor reserved for public transit, now used by the REM. The federal government has committed not to charge tolls on it.
The bridge is operated and maintained by the private partner Signature on the Saint Lawrence, under the supervision of Infrastructure Canada, as part of a 30-year public-private partnership.
On foot or by bike
The bridge has a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Opened on December 23, 2019, it is 3.4 km long and accessible 365 days a year, according to the Government of Canada. Occasional closures may occur for maintenance or weather: check before you go.
The Victoria Bridge
The Victoria Bridge links Saint-Lambert, Brossard’s neighbour, to southwest Montreal. It’s often used as an alternative when Highway 10 or the Samuel De Champlain Bridge is congested. In its overview of fall 2026 roadwork, published on August 25, 2026 on Québec.ca (in French), Mobilité Montréal mentions work on the Victoria Bridge and its approaches, as well as on rue Bridge and Highway 10 (Bonaventure). Traffic conditions can therefore change from week to week.
The Jacques Cartier Bridge
Farther east, the Jacques Cartier Bridge links Longueuil to central Montreal. From Brossard, it’s mainly useful if your destination is in the eastern part of downtown. It is managed by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), a federal Crown corporation that posts its roadwork notices on its website. Check its notices before you travel.
Check traffic before you leave
Whichever bridge you choose, conditions can vary widely depending on the time of day, weather, accidents and roadwork. The most reliable tools:
- Québec 511: the Government of Quebec service showing road restrictions, closures and traffic cameras.
- Mobilité Montréal: the coordination unit that publishes maps of the region’s major roadwork.
- JCCBI notices for the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
- The REM’s service status, if you’re thinking of leaving the car at home.
Mobilité Montréal notes that much of the work takes place at night and on weekends, and that partners coordinate their closures to avoid shutting several strategic routes at the same time. Still, a full weekend closure of one bridge can push a lot of traffic onto the other crossings.
Alternatives to driving
- The REM: it crosses the river on the Samuel De Champlain Bridge in its own corridor. According to the REM, Brossard is less than 18 minutes from downtown. See Brossard to downtown by REM: time and cost.
- Park-and-ride: leave the car at Brossard or Panama station and finish by train. See our guide to REM park-and-ride lots.
- The bus: the RTL connects several areas to the Brossard, Panama and Longueuil terminuses. See Buses in Brossard.
- Cycling: via the Samuel De Champlain Bridge multi-use path.
Tips for an easier crossing
- Shift your departure times when possible: congestion is concentrated at rush hour.
- Check Québec 511 the day before an important trip, especially on weekends, when closures are most often scheduled.
- Always have a plan B: knowing how to reach the Victoria or Jacques Cartier Bridge can save you time during an incident.
- For an important appointment or a flight, consider the REM; see Brossard to the airport by public transit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a toll on the Samuel De Champlain Bridge?
No. The Government of Canada has committed not to charge tolls on it.
Can you cross the Samuel De Champlain Bridge by bike?
Yes, via the 3.4 km multi-use path, open year-round according to the Government of Canada, subject to occasional closures.
How do I know if a bridge is closed?
Check Québec 511 and Mobilité Montréal announcements. For the Jacques Cartier Bridge, also check JCCBI notices.
Which bridge should I take if Highway 10 is blocked?
The Victoria Bridge, via Saint-Lambert, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge, via Longueuil, are the usual alternatives. First check Québec 511 to make sure they aren’t affected by roadwork themselves.
Does the REM run when the bridge is closed to cars?
The REM runs in its own corridor, but it can have its own planned interruptions. Check the REM’s service status.
Learn more
To compare driving with public transit, read our guide to Brossard’s REM stations. Thinking of moving to Brossard and commute time matters in your decision? See Brossard vs. Longueuil and our cost of living comparison. Find all our guides in Getting Around. Last checked: October 2026.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.