Lac-Megantic Rail Bypass: CTA Application & Project Details

Lac-Megantic rail bypass application submitted to CTA, a key step toward rerouting freight traffic and rebuilding the community.

Lac-Megantic Rail Bypass: CTA Application & Project Details
September 24, 2025 5:55 pm
A+
A-

“`html

Introduction

The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has received the official application for the Lac-Megantic rail bypass project, as announced by federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon last week. The application is a key step towards the construction of the 8-mile bypass in Quebec.

Application Submission

The application submitted to the CTA includes environmental studies, consultation reports, and a well monitoring plan. Transport Canada will make these documents available online for public consultation.

Project Details

The 8-mile bypass aims to reroute railroad traffic away from downtown Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The project is a direct response to the 2013 train derailment.

Background

The 2013 derailment in Lac-Megantic resulted in 47 fatalities and the destruction of the city’s downtown area. The incident also caused a spill of 1.6 million gallons of crude oil and led to the evacuation of 2,000 residents.

Regulatory Approvals

Construction of the bypass will commence after all necessary regulatory approvals are secured, including those from the CTA.

Last June 2025, we covered Renfe’s new cutting-edge maintenance hub in Aranjuez, focusing on its impact on Cercanías efficiency. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The CTA has received the application for the Lac-Megantic rail bypass. The project is designed to reroute rail traffic, a measure prompted by the 2013 train derailment in Lac-Megantic. Construction will begin after all regulatory approvals are obtained.

Company Summary

Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA): The CTA is a Canadian federal quasi-judicial tribunal responsible for administering the provisions of the Canada Transportation Act and other transportation-related legislation. It makes decisions on a wide range of matters involving air, rail, and marine transportation.

Transport Canada: Transport Canada is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for transportation policies and programs. Its mission is to serve the public interest through a safe and secure, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation system.

“`