Quebec Rail Bypass Approved 13 Years After Deadly Lac-Mégantic Derailment

Thirteen years after a catastrophic derailment killed 47 people and devastated Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, the construction of a railway bypass around the municipality has been approved by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

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From day one, our community has had one fundamental goal: to permanently remove the railway tracks from inhabited areas in order to rebuild our sense of security and continue our reconstruction.

The approved project involves building 12.5 kilometers of new tracks to divert trains away from the town's core. This decision comes as a profound relief for the community, which has lived in fear of a recurrence of the July 6, 2013, disaster, when a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, destroying city blocks. "From day one, our community has had one fundamental goal: to permanently remove the railway tracks from inhabited areas in order to rebuild our sense of security and continue our reconstruction," said Lac-Mégantic Mayor Julie Morin.

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This decision by the [CTA] confirms that we are finally reaching our goal. This is a moment of profound relief and optimism for the future of our community.

Morin expressed optimism following the CTA's announcement, stating, "This decision by the [CTA] confirms that we are finally reaching our goal. This is a moment of profound relief and optimism for the future of our community." The bypass project was initially proposed by the town after the derailment, and both federal and provincial governments committed to financing it in 2018.

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The Agency is satisfied that the location of the Bypass is reasonable, taking into account the CPRC’s operational and service requirements and the interests of the localities and Indigenous communities.

The Canadian Pacific Railway Company submitted its formal application to the CTA in September 2025. After months of consultations with stakeholders, residents, and Indigenous communities, the CTA announced its approval. The agency stated it was satisfied that the bypass's location is reasonable, considering operational needs and the interests of local and Indigenous communities. Federal Minister of Transportation Steven MacKinnon called the approval a "significant step forward," emphasizing that it brings the community closer to starting construction on a project that will enhance safety and quality of life.

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This decision brings us closer to the start of construction on a long-awaited project that will help improve the community’s safety and quality of life.