This postcard shows an unusual perspective of the Québec Bridge during its construction. The bridge’s central span had not yet been placed. Yet, when the latter was lifted, instead of joining the north and south spans, it fell, sinking straight into the St. Lawrence River! This was the second collapse during the bridge’s construction. Treize travailleurs meurent dans cet accident.

1906 - 1936

Construction of the Québec Bridge

In the 19th century, Québec City became increasingly isolated without a link by rail to the southern shore of the St. Lawrence. Begun in 1900, construction of the Pont de Québec was completed on September 20, 1917. Two major collapses occurred, in 1907 and 1916, disrupting progress and killing 76 and 13 men, respectively. Initially open only to trains and pedestrians, a carriageway was added in 1929. At 549 metres, its cantilevered, cable-free central span was the longest in the world. This bridge is still considered a masterpiece of modern engineering. How well do you know this bridge?

The Québec Bridge without its centre span

Auteur inconnu This postcard shows an unusual perspective of the Québec Bridge during its construction. The bridge’s central span had not yet been placed. Yet, when the latter was lifted, instead of joining the north and south spans, it fell, sinking straight into the St. Lawrence River! This was the second collapse during the bridge’s construction. Treize travailleurs meurent dans cet accident.

Chronoscope Can you guess when this photo was taken? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1916

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - André Escojido Collection - Date: 1916

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