The Pierre Laporte Bridge (French:Pont Pierre-Laporte) is the longest main span suspension bridge in Canada. It crosses the Saint Lawrence River approximately 200 metres (660ft) west (upstream) of the Quebec Bridge between Quebec City and Lévis. It spans 1,041 metres (3,415ft).

It was originally named the New Quebec Bridge (Nouveau pont de Québec) and was supposed to be called Pont Frontenac (Frontenac Bridge) until it was renamed in honour of Quebec Vice-Premier Pierre Laporte, who was kidnapped and murdered during the October Crisis of 1970 as construction of the bridge was nearing completion. The bridge was constructed for the Province of Quebec, Department of Roads in a joint venture with the private firm of Parsons Transportation Group.

It carries Autoroute 73 northbound from Autoroute 20, the Trans-Canada Highway, to Quebec City and Autoroute 40 and also northwards towards Saguenay.

  • Quebec and Pierre-Laporte Bridges in winter.
  • Pierre-Laporte Bridge (May 2015).
  • View from under the north side of the bridge.
  • View from the north side during winter

Specifications

  • Constructed: 1966-1970
  • Main span: 667.5 metres (2,190ft)
  • Side spans: 186.5 metres (612ft) each
  • Total length: 1,041 metres (3,415ft) between anchorages
  • Deck: Six-lane freeway bridge
  • Capacity: 90,000 vehicles per day

See also

Notes

External links