Montreal is gearing up for a transformative journey as excavation has commenced on the long-anticipated extension of the metro’s blue line towards Anjou. This ambitious project, which aims to add five new stations over approximately five kilometres, will employ a state-of-the-art tunnel-boring machine to facilitate the work, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport development.
A Historic Engineering Endeavour
The tunnel-boring machine, an impressive feat of engineering, measures three storeys in height and weighs around 2,000 tonnes. Manufactured in Germany, it has been constructed locally in Montreal over the past three months following its arrival in February. Designed to efficiently tunnel through rock and debris, it simultaneously erects the tunnel lining, ensuring a seamless progression of the project.
On a site tour held on September 9, 2025, media representatives were shown the planned location for the new Vertières Metro station. Chantal Rouleau, the Member of the National Assembly for Pointe-aux-Trembles, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Today is a great day for the east end of Montreal. We have waited for this project for many, many years.”
Named in Honour of a Trailblazer
In a nod to Montreal’s history, the tunnelling machine has been named after Lisette St-Onge, who made history as the city’s first female métro operator in 1981. The name was chosen through a public vote, and St-Onge shared her emotions during the unveiling, saying, “I feel great, I feel nervous, I feel happy.”
Project leaders have expressed confidence that this advanced tunnelling technology will enable crews to work efficiently, completing both excavation and tunnel finishing concurrently. This streamlined approach is expected to contribute to the project’s adherence to both its schedule and budget.
Future Prospects for Montreal’s East End
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the broader implications of this investment, noting it as a catalyst for further development in the city’s east end. “We need to keep this tunnel machine because we have so many other projects we need to do,” she remarked, signalling that this venture is just the beginning of a wider initiative to enhance public transport and urban infrastructure.
Excavation work is projected to continue until 2028, with the project on track to open to the public in 2031. Once completed, the five new stations are anticipated to attract tens of thousands of additional commuters to the Société de transport de Montréal’s (STM) network.
Why it Matters
The expansion of the blue line not only represents a significant investment in Montreal’s infrastructure but also underscores the city’s commitment to improving public transport accessibility. By extending the metro line eastward, the project aims to enhance connectivity for residents, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable urban development. This undertaking is more than just a transport upgrade; it is a vital step towards shaping a more connected and vibrant Montreal for future generations.
