Initially, in the 1970s, it was part of a larger route planned to connect Aylmer to downtown Hull roughly along the same corridor and through the current Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

It passes through Gatineau Park despite concerns from environmentalists, but measures were taken to reduce the impact on the environment including the construction of a temporary bridge.

Transports Quebec did not add designated lanes in the newly built segment, arguing that not enough buses would travel there during the rush hour but the STO may file a request.

[3] In the downtown area, the artery was revitalized near Boulevard Maisonneuve, giving the route a much more modern look near the city's busiest intersection.

[5] On 27 February 2007, the Urban Planning Committee and City Council chose the name des Allumettières, in reference to local female workers in the matchstick industry during the region's early years, for the full length between Eardley Road and the Alexandra Bridge which will also replace the name "Boulevard Saint-Laurent" in the easternmost segment.

Among the main attractions along des Allumettières are the Canadian Museum of History and Jacques Cartier Park located at the entrance to the Alexandra Bridge.