Ten years after a runaway train derailed and killed 47 people in Lac-Mégantic, Que., residents are still waiting for a promised railway bypass, and they fear the increasing number of railcars carrying hazardous materials through their town will lead to another disaster.
Mayor Julie Morin says the trains transporting such things as propane, diesel and sulphuric acid have got longer, threatening to turn the city's downtown area once again into a mess of charred ruins and twisted metal.
Federal law, however, only requires railway companies to inform municipalities after the fact. Companies have until 30 days after the end of each quarter to provide a report on the dangerous goods that have travelled on railways. Transport Canada cites safety and logistical reasons to explain the rule.
He said that 10 years ago, trains didn't exceed 100 cars, but today, "they are monster trains." Bellefleur said in recent months they have been the longest he's ever seen in the town. After the disaster, many residents no longer wanted trains to pass through downtown, so the bypass became a top priority for the municipal council at the time — and remains a priority today. But 10 years later, the bypass that was supposed to be part of the community's healing process is still not built.
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