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Monday morning rush hour in the West Island and road conditions are dry. The sky is overcast. No rain, no snow and no glare from the sun to deal with. A reporter is on a mission to drive north and then south on St-Jean Blvd. from Highway 40 to Pierrefonds Blvd. and then repeat the same exercise on St-Charles Blvd. The traffic is heavy, but steady, allowing her to maintain the speed limit. What could possibly go wrong?

Just off the highway, the first traffic light turns red. Stop. Traffic light turns green. Go. The second traffic light turns red. Stop. Grrr.

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Seven red lights and seven green lights in all. On one occasion only did the reporter make it through two green lights without stopping. The drive north took 10 minutes.

The return trip was moderately less frustrating. Seven red lights, yes, but on one occasion the reporter managed ride the crest of a mini “green wave” traversing three green lights without stopping. You grab your good moments where you can. The drive south took 8 minutes.