OTTAWA, ON – After negotiations with Canadians, the Government of Canada will regain ownership of the landmark Quebec Bridge over the St. Lawrence River, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today.
“The Quebec Bridge is a source of pride for the people of Quebec City and all Canadians. It is a timeless symbol of what is possible when we work together, and it is a symbol of what is possible today with CN. The repatriation agreement ensures that it is protected and restored for future generations,” Trudeau said in a statement.
The Quebec Bridge is a major road, rail, and pedestrian bridge connecting Quebec City and Levis, Quebec. Built in 1917, it was designed to promote economic development and connect Quebec City to the Canadian and American rail networks. Considered one of Canada's architectural gems, it is recognized as a symbol of engineering excellence and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995.
The bridge is a vital transportation link in the region and a key component of Canada's supply chain, allowing passengers and cargo to move freely across the St. Lawrence River to other destinations in Canada and North America . This section is served by CN freight trains, VIA Railroad passenger trains, and more than 33,000 vehicles daily.
The bridge was owned by the Government of Canada from its construction until 1995, when it was transferred to National Canada.
Canada will invest approximately $40 million annually for the next 25 years through the Reconstruction Program. These investments will help extend the service life of bridges for decades to come, especially by increasing the frequency of component replacement. The restoration program also includes a component contributing to the painting and aesthetics of this historic infrastructure.
The bridge is the longest span cantilever bridge ever built, with a length of 549 meters between the main piers, a total length of 987 meters, and a height of 95 meters.
Construction of the initial span ended tragically on August 29, 1907, when the southern portion of the bridge frame collapsed, killing 76 workers. Construction resumed in 1913, but tragedy struck again on September 11, 1916, when another collapse killed 13 workers. The current bridge is constructed of nickel alloy steel.
