0The David-Laperrière Bridge
History of navigation
1931, the transportation revolution in the Lower St. Francis!
Prior to 1931, the two communities had to travel by boat from one shore to the other. The bridge would connect the two riverside municipalities and, more importantly, provide road connectivity to the major industrial cities of the day.
The first bridge arrived in 1931, after 2 years of work!
Who is David Laperrière?
The bridge was named in honor of David Laperrière. David Laperrière (1868-1932) was a general merchant, boat builder and Liberal Member of Parliament for Yamaska between 1923 and 1930 and ended his life as mayor of the municipality of Pierreville.
The arrival of the new bridge
The bridge you see now was built in 2011. It is 800 meters long. It replaced the first bridge after 80 years of service. The old one had become non-regulatory and could no longer support heavy loads.