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Stores, Subway Reopen in Downtown Montreal After Tunnel Cracks Cause Shutdown

Posted on: Monday, 27 August 2007, 12:14 CDT

By NELSON WYATT

MONTREAL (CP) - Stores reopened Monday in Montreal's downtown commercial core after a weekend shutdown prompted by cracks discovered in an underground access tunnel.

Subways rolled through six downtown stations that had been closed as a precaution until Sunday evening and were packed with commuters returning to work.

"I was rather reluctant to take it because of the cracks," said Pat Bucchianico, who said his train was delayed apparently by a man walking on the tracks.

"Other than that it was rather OK."

Most commuters said Monday they had no fear as their subway pulled into a station near where the long cracks where seen on Friday.

"If they say it's OK, I presume it's OK," said Carol Adams, a customer service representative. "Whatever happens, happens."

City crews worked feverishly during the weekend to put in between 600 to 1,000 support poles to shore up the tunnel against the risk of collapse.

Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay has declared the area safe although permanent repairs are still needed.

Business owners in the area felt the pinch and are evaluating their losses.

"I lost two days," said Meng Meng, a magazine store owner. "After two o'clock Friday afternoon there weren't many people."

The key part of the downtown commercial district was closed Friday after officials feared a street would collapse.

The fears arose after the discovery of cracks in a tunnel leading from The Bay department store to an underground mall and subway station. The Bay reopened for business Monday morning after being shut since Friday afternoon.

Source: Canadian Press

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