Rail bypass to be funded jointly by federal, Quebec governments
Nearly five years after a train derailed in Lac-Megantic and killed 47 people, the federal and provincial government confirmed a rail bypass Friday that will ensure trains leave the Quebec municipality’s downtown core for good.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard were among those on hand to announce a commitment to build the 12.8-kilometre bypass. On July 6, 2013, the runaway train carrying crude oil from the United States careened off the track and exploded, killing the 47 people and destroying part of the town centre.
Trudeau said politicians normally are all smiles during such infrastructure announcements, but that wasn’t the case Friday.
“There’s nothing we wouldn’t give to go back in the past and avoid being here today to make this announcement,” Trudeau said. “Obviously, we can’t rewrite history, but we can, together, shape the future.”
The prime minister said many people are still dealing with the ongoing effects of trauma and loss and he hopes the bypass will help the community continue to heal and rebuild.
“No community should have to live through what Lac-Megantic went through, no one should have to suffer the tragic loss of their own,” he said.
The new route that will take rail traffic away from the downtown area was selected