Lake Megantic Quebec - The Quebec government announced Sunday that construction on the Lake Megantic railway bypass will begin in 2021.

The 12.8 kilometre project, which was developed to provide security for the town while ensuring that local businesses continue to benefit from rail transportation, should be completed by the fall of 2022.
 
The government made the announcement on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the Lake Megantic derailment and explosion which claimed 47 lives.
 
In 2019, the federal and provincial governments announced that railway operations in the Eastern Townships municipalities of Nantes and Frontenac would be moved to the industrial park in Lake Megantic.
 
The rail bypass route was chosen after the provincial government conducted analyses and held two public hearings.
 
Since the railway is under federal jurisdiction, the federal government is leading the project.
 
Quebec will contribute 40 percent of the project's total costs, which are estimated at $133 million.
 
John Meagher.