The Canadian federal government has announced a landmark agreement, valued at $1 billion, to acquire ownership of the iconic Quebec Bridge in Quebec City from Canadian National Railway (CN). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed the details of this significant investment during a press conference held in Quebec City.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ottawa will allocate $1 billion over the course of the next 25 years for the extensive repair, repainting, and maintenance of the Quebec Bridge. This substantial investment is aimed at ensuring the longevity of the bridge for “decades” to come.
The Quebec Bridge, known as the Pont de Québec in French, spans an impressive 549 meters across the majestic St. Lawrence River, linking Quebec City with its southern suburban areas. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the longest cantilever bridge in the world.
Despite the federal government taking ownership of the bridge, the agreement stipulates that CN and the Quebec government will retain responsibility and ownership of the rails and roadway situated on the span. With approximately 33,000 vehicles crossing it daily, the Quebec Bridge plays a vital role in facilitating transportation and connectivity in the region.
Constructed in 1917, the Quebec Bridge holds immense historical significance, earning recognition as a national historic site in 1995. Its construction marked a milestone in engineering as the first major bridge in North America constructed using nickel and steel.
However, the bridge’s history is also marked by tragedy. In 1907, a devastating collapse resulted in the loss of 75 lives, making it one of the deadliest construction accidents in Canadian history. Another tragic incident occurred in 1916, claiming the lives of 13 individuals, further highlighting the challenges encountered during its construction.
A distinctive tradition among Canadian certified engineers is the wearing of an “Iron Ring.” If you’ve interacted with or are acquainted with a Canadian-trained engineer, you might have noticed a modest iron band adorning the pinky finger of their dominant hand.
The tradition of ‘The Iron Ring’ originated in 1922, following a meeting of engineers based in Montréal who sought to establish a code of ethics and a mentorship mechanism for aspiring professionals. Some attribute the genesis of this tradition to the tragic collapse of the Quebec Bridge, which spanned the lower Saint Lawrence River between Sainte-Foy and Lévis, Quebec.