Major Traffic Disruption on Autoroute 20 Following Tanker Truck Collision
Commuters traveling along Autoroute 20 are facing significant delays this morning following a traffic accident involving a tanker truck. The incident has forced the closure of a section of the highway, leading to heavy congestion and the implementation of mandatory detours.
What Happened?
According to reports from the Sûreté du Québec, the accident occurred when a tanker truck collided with an impact attenuator truck—a specialized vehicle deployed by the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD) to protect road workers at construction sites. The force of the impact caused the tanker to overturn across the roadway.
Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that there were no injuries reported, and the collision was strictly material. Furthermore, there have been no reports of cargo spills, reducing the environmental risk in the area.
Current Traffic Status and Detours
The highway remains closed for an indeterminate period as emergency crews work to clear the scene. Before the overturned tanker can be towed, specialized teams must first empty its contents into another vehicle to ensure safety.
To manage the flow of traffic, the MTMD has established a detour for all drivers. If you are heading toward the affected sector, please follow these instructions:
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- Exit the highway at Exit 210.
- Follow the service road to bypass the closure.
- Re-enter Autoroute 20 eastbound at Exit 215 via Rang des Épinettes.
Variable message signs have been activated upstream, and signaling vehicles are on-site to guide motorists. However, authorities warn that significant congestion is already being observed as drivers approach the zone.
Safety Recommendations for Drivers
Police and transport officials urge all motorists to exercise patience and caution. To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to:
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- Plan for extra travel time to reach your destination.
- Strictly follow the temporary signage and detour markers.
- Stay updated via official channels such as Québec 511 for real-time road conditions.
The Sûreté du Québec is currently investigating the cause of the accident, as it remains unclear why the tanker truck deviated from its path before the collision.
