The Pierre Laporte Bridge (French: Pont Pierre-Laporte) is the longest main span suspension bridge in Canada.[2] It crosses the Saint Lawrence River approximately 200 metres (660 ft) west (upstream) of the Quebec Bridge between Quebec City and Lévis. It spans 1,041 metres (3,415 ft).[1]

Pierre Laporte Bridge

Pont Pierre-Laporte (French)
Pierre Laporte Bridge (foreground).
Coordinates46°44′42″N 71°17′27″W / 46.74500°N 71.29083°W / 46.74500; -71.29083
Carries A-73
CrossesSt. Lawrence River
LocaleQuebec City and Lévis, Quebec
Official namePont Pierre-Laporte
Characteristics
DesignSuspension bridge
Total length1,041 m (3,415 ft)
Longest span667.5 m (2,190 ft)
No. of lanes6
History
DesignerDemers, Vaudry, Gronquist
Parsons Transportation Group
Construction costOriginally evaluated at $33 millions, it cost $55 million CAD[1] (Approx. 435M$ in 2024 per Bank of Canada inflation)
Opened1970[1]
Statistics
Daily traffic134,000
TollFree
Location
Map

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.


Specifications

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

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Pierre Laporte Bridge". Montreal Roads.
  2. ^ Although Île d'Orléans Bridge is over 4 km in total length, its longest suspended span is 323 m and its total suspended length is 677 m, less than Pierre Laporte's 1,041 meters full length.
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