A crash on Autoroute Duplessis in Québec City early Friday morning caused a partial closure of the major highway after an SUV struck and damaged an overhead traffic-sign structure.
The accident occurred on September 25, 2026, on Autoroute 540, commonly known as Autoroute Duplessis. The collision prompted authorities to close the highway in both directions in the affected section while crews assessed and secured the damaged structure.
What Happened in the Duplessis Accident?
According to information reported by Québec 511 and the Sûreté du Québec, the collision occurred at approximately 3 a.m. Friday.
An SUV reportedly left the roadway and struck a pole belonging to an overhead traffic-sign structure.
The impact caused significant enough damage to the structure that authorities closed the highway in both directions as a precaution.
The affected section was between Avenue Jules-Verne and Autoroute 40 in Québec City.
Two People Taken to Hospital
The SUV was occupied by a driver and a passenger.
The Sûreté du Québec said the driver, who was in his 40s, and the passenger were transported to a hospital with minor injuries following the collision.
There were no reports in the initial coverage of fatalities or life-threatening injuries.
Possible Impaired Driving Investigation
Police indicated that blood samples would be taken from the driver because investigators had reason to believe his driving ability may have been impaired.
At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not announced a final determination concerning impairment or explained what may have caused the SUV to strike the structure.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Autoroute 540 Closed in Both Directions
The collision had a significant effect on traffic because the damaged structure required authorities to restrict access to the highway.
Québec 511 reported the closure between Avenue Jules-Verne and Autoroute 40 in both directions.
The obstruction was expected to remain in place for at least part of the morning while crews dealt with the damaged infrastructure.
Motorists traveling through the area were therefore advised to expect delays and consider alternative routes until the affected section could be reopened.
Duplessis Accident Investigation Continues
The investigation is focused on determining the circumstances that led the SUV to collide with the overhead structure.
Police have not yet released a final explanation for why the vehicle struck the structure.
Additional information could become available as investigators complete their work and authorities assess the condition of the damaged infrastructure.
Accident Duplessis Today: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 25, 2026 |
| Location | Autoroute Duplessis (A-540), Québec City |
| Nearby roads | Avenue Jules-Verne and Autoroute 40 |
| Time of crash | Approximately 3 a.m. |
| Vehicle | SUV |
| Collision | SUV struck traffic-sign structure |
| Driver | Man in his 40s |
| Passenger | 1 |
| Injuries | Driver and passenger suffered minor injuries |
| Hospitalization | Both transported to hospital |
| Road closure | Both directions in affected section |
| Possible factor | Police investigating possible impaired driving |
| Investigation | Sûreté du Québec |
Traffic Impact After the Crash
The partial closure created a disruption for drivers using Autoroute Duplessis during the Friday morning commute.
Because the incident involved damage to an overhead structure rather than only a vehicle obstruction, authorities needed to address the infrastructure before normal traffic could safely resume.
The exact time for full reopening depended on the assessment and repair or securing of the damaged structure.
Disclaimer: This article is based on initial reports from Québec 511, the Sûreté du Québec and current local reporting on September 25, 2026. The investigation remains ongoing, and details concerning the possible role of impairment or the final reopening time may change as authorities release additional information.