Benjamin Segobaetso – Local Journalism Initiative
Published online October 21, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
PORTAGE-DU-FORT – Overnight closures, truck restrictions and lengthy detours raise questions about the impact of infrastructure repairs on Pontiac residents and businesses. Motorists travelling through Portage-du-Fort will face six weeks of overnight road closures, traffic restrictions and detours beginning October 19 as Quebec’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility undertakes structural repairs along Route 301.
The construction, expected to continue until late November, will affect regular commuters, commercial truck operators and residents towing trailers, potentially increasing travel times and transportation costs.
In notices sent to the Pontiac Journal, Quebec’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility confirmed that Route 301 will close completely overnight on designated weekdays between October 19 and November 25 to allow crews to pour concrete and repair bridge structures. Closures will run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Wednesday, during six consecutive weeks: October 19–21, October 26–28, November 2–4, November 9–11, November 16–18 and November 23–25.
Outside those hours, motorists will face alternating single-lane traffic until construction concludes, expected by late November. But the most significant burden could fall on
commercial truck operators, delivery services and residents towing trailers. From October 19 to November 16, heavy vehicles and passenger vehicles pulling trailers will be
prohibited from travelling through affected sections of Route 301, even during daytime hours.
The ministry attributes the restrictions to a construction zone narrowed to just three metres, where a curve creates the risk of larger vehicles becoming trapped. Affected drivers must follow a detour through routes 301, 148, 40, 17 and 653. During overnight closures, the same detour will apply to all motorists. For businesses dependent on deliveries, farmers transporting equipment and residents towing recreational trailers, the restrictions could translate into additional fuel expenses, longer journeys and disrupted schedules.
The ministry has identified the Quyon Ferry as another possible option, although its availability depends on operating conditions.
For Pontiac residents, the issue is not whether bridges should be repaired, but how the practical traffic jam of the repairs is managed.
With work continuing into late November, motorists are urged to plan ahead and follow posted restrictions.
Traffic updates are available at quebec511.info or by calling 511. Ferry conditions can be checked at quyonferry.com.