Montreal is taking a significant leap towards enhancing its public transport infrastructure, as excavation work officially commenced for the extension of the blue line of the metro to Anjou. A colossal tunnel-boring machine has begun its journey eastward, marking the start of a two-year project aimed at constructing approximately five kilometres of new tunnel and establishing five additional stations along the route.
A Monumental Engineering Marvel
The tunnel-boring machine, an impressive feat of engineering, measures three storeys in height and weighs around 2,000 tonnes. Constructed locally in Montreal over the past three months following its arrival in February, this German-manufactured apparatus is specifically designed to cut through rock and debris while simultaneously installing the tunnel lining.
At a press event on September 9, 2025, media representatives were given a first-hand look at the site designated for the Vertières Metro Station, and the scale of the project was evident.
Long-Awaited Progress
This ambitious initiative has been in the works for decades, with local officials expressing their enthusiasm for the long-anticipated development. Chantal Rouleau, Member of the National Assembly for Pointe-aux-Trembles, stated, “Today is a great day for the east end of Montreal. We were waiting for that project for many, many, many years.”
Project leaders anticipate that the innovative capabilities of the tunneller will enhance productivity, enabling teams to manage both the excavation and finishing processes in a seamless manner. The machine has been christened after Lisette St-Onge, the first female métro operator in Montreal, a name chosen through public voting. St-Onge expressed her mixed emotions at the ceremony, saying, “I feel great, I feel nervous, I feel happy.”
Future Prospects and Urban Development
Montreal’s Mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, underscored that this investment is not merely about the current project but also serves as a gateway to future developments in the city’s eastern sectors. “We need to keep this tunnel machine because we have so many other projects we need to do,” she remarked, highlighting the city’s commitment to expanding its public transit network.
The excavation work is projected to continue until 2028, with officials maintaining that the project remains on track and within budget. The anticipated opening date for the new stations is set for 2031. Once operational, these stations are expected to attract tens of thousands of new users to the Société de transport de Montréal’s metro network, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity in the region.
Why it Matters
The expansion of the blue line is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it represents a transformative moment for Montreal’s public transportation landscape. By enhancing access to the eastern parts of the city, this project is poised to stimulate economic growth, support local businesses, and provide residents with improved commuting options. As Montreal continues to evolve, the successful execution of this metro extension will be pivotal in shaping a more connected and sustainable urban future.