**Quebec Route 104**
**Definition:**
Quebec Route 104 is a provincial highway located in the Montérégie region of southern Quebec, Canada. It serves as an important east-west corridor connecting several municipalities and facilitating regional transportation.
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# Quebec Route 104
## Overview
Quebec Route 104 (Route 104) is a provincial highway in the Montérégie region of southern Quebec, Canada. It extends in an east-west direction, linking various towns and municipalities and providing a vital transportation route for local traffic, commercial vehicles, and regional connectivity. The highway is maintained by Transports Québec, the provincial transportation authority responsible for the upkeep and management of Quebec’s road network.
Route 104 plays a significant role in the regional transportation infrastructure by connecting smaller communities to larger highways and urban centers. It supports economic activities such as agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce by facilitating the movement of goods and people across the Montérégie region.
## Route Description
### Western Terminus and Initial Segment
Route 104 begins in the west at the junction with Route 138 in the municipality of Saint-Rémi. This area is characterized by a mix of agricultural land and small residential communities. From Saint-Rémi, the highway proceeds eastward, passing through predominantly rural landscapes interspersed with small towns and villages.
### Intermediate Sections
As Route 104 continues east, it traverses several municipalities including Saint-Constant, Sainte-Catherine, and Delson. These areas are part of the greater Montreal metropolitan region’s suburban and exurban zones, featuring a combination of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and light industrial areas.
The highway intersects with several major routes along its course, including Autoroute 30, a key bypass highway around Montreal, which provides connections to other major highways such as Autoroute 15 and Autoroute 20. These intersections enhance Route 104’s role as a feeder road, linking local traffic to the broader provincial highway network.
### Eastern Terminus
The eastern terminus of Route 104 is located near the municipality of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where it connects with Route 223. This area serves as a gateway to the Richelieu River valley and provides access to additional regional routes and services.
## Historical Development
Route 104 has evolved over several decades to meet the changing transportation needs of the Montérégie region. Originally established as a local road serving agricultural communities, it was gradually upgraded and incorporated into the provincial highway system to improve regional connectivity.
The development of suburban areas around Montreal in the latter half of the 20th century increased traffic volumes on Route 104, prompting infrastructure improvements such as road widening, intersection upgrades, and enhanced signage. These improvements aimed to increase safety, reduce congestion, and accommodate the growing number of commuters and commercial vehicles.
## Traffic and Usage
Route 104 experiences a mix of traffic types, including passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and agricultural machinery. Traffic volumes vary along the route, with higher densities near urban centers and major highway interchanges, and lighter traffic in rural segments.
The highway is used extensively by local residents for daily commuting, as well as by businesses for the transportation of goods. Seasonal variations in traffic are observed, particularly during agricultural harvest periods and holiday seasons.
## Infrastructure and Maintenance
Transports Québec is responsible for the maintenance and operation of Route 104. This includes routine activities such as pavement repairs, snow removal, signage maintenance, and safety inspections. Periodic upgrades and rehabilitation projects are undertaken to ensure the highway meets current standards and can safely accommodate traffic demands.
Infrastructure along Route 104 includes standard two-lane roadways in rural areas, with some sections expanded to four lanes near urban centers to manage higher traffic volumes. The highway features at-grade intersections, traffic signals, and occasional roundabouts to regulate traffic flow.
## Economic and Regional Significance
Route 104 is an important component of the Montérégie region’s transportation network. It supports local economies by providing access to markets, employment centers, and services. The highway facilitates the movement of agricultural products from farms to processing facilities and distribution centers.
Additionally, Route 104 contributes to regional tourism by providing access to recreational areas, cultural sites, and local events. Its connectivity to major highways enables efficient travel to and from Montreal and other parts of Quebec.
## Future Developments
Plans for Route 104 focus on improving safety, capacity, and connectivity. Proposed projects include intersection enhancements, road widening in select segments, and the installation of modern traffic management systems. These initiatives aim to accommodate anticipated growth in traffic volumes and enhance the overall efficiency of the highway.
Environmental considerations are integral to future developments, with efforts to minimize ecological impacts and promote sustainable transportation practices.
## Major Intersections
– **Route 138** (Western Terminus) – Saint-Rémi
– **Autoroute 30** – Near Delson
– **Route 132** – Near Sainte-Catherine
– **Route 223** (Eastern Terminus) – Near Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
## Municipalities Served
– Saint-Rémi
– Saint-Constant
– Sainte-Catherine
– Delson
– Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
## Summary
Quebec Route 104 is a key east-west provincial highway in the Montérégie region, facilitating regional mobility and economic activity. It connects rural and suburban communities, integrates with major highways, and supports a diverse range of transportation needs. Ongoing maintenance and planned improvements ensure that Route 104 continues to serve as a reliable and efficient transportation corridor.
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**Meta Description:**
Quebec Route 104 is a provincial highway in southern Quebec’s Montérégie region, connecting several municipalities and serving as an important east-west transportation corridor. It supports local economies and links to major highways in the area.