Quebec City Traffic?

Question

What kind of traffic can I expect going into the city center mornings/evenings? Our lodging isn't too far outside the center, up highway 440. Is the work commute bad enough we should plan on sleeping in some and taking an easy breakfast before heading out, say around 9? Living in Houston, Texas, traffic is a nightmare here; I am looking for some idea of what to expect. Thanks!

Answer 1

I haven't been home in nearly a year but it shouldn't have changed all that much since I left. Traffic can be pretty heavy but nothing like what you would see in Houston, I wouldn't think. Rush hours don't last all that long on highways. I would say 7:30-9:30 in the morning and 4:45-6:30 in the evening, very typical.

Keep in mind that a lot of people commute from the south shore (Lévis) to the north shore in the morning, and go back home in the evening, so the bridges (Pont Pierre-Laporte and Pont de Québec) or anywhere around that area might be heavy in traffic but otherwise, I don't think you'll be traumatized. If you leave around 9 you'll have some traffic but not at its peak.

The one problem that the downtown area has, however, is the fact that traffic lights in some places are not synchronized, and that can cause in itself traffic jams.

Answer 2

Funny you should mention that - I've lived in Houston TX for a couple of years (near Spring-Cypresswood/F.M. 1960) and you're right, traffic can be bad at times but if my memory is correct, Quebec City isn't as bad as Houston, at least as far as traffic is concerned!

P.S. Where in Houston TX are you by the way - if you don't mind me asking?