ACFEM Unveils Feasibility Study Results and Launches Next Phase for Estrie-Montérégie Rail Corridor

Sherbrooke, November 15, 2024 — The Alliance du corridor ferroviaire Estrie-Montérégie (ACFEM) has announced the findings of a feasibility study aimed at developing the Estrie-Montérégie rail corridor. Supported by a $450,000 grant from Quebec’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the study was conducted by engineering firm EXP and lays the groundwork for the ambitious project.

Key Findings of the Feasibility Study

The study breaks the project into eight components, which include:

• Establishing a passenger rail service connecting Lac-Mégantic to Montreal with stops in Sherbrooke, Magog, Bromont, and other cities.
• Modernizing safety infrastructure across the rail corridor.
• Rehabilitating the Bedford-to-Farnham rail section.
• Building a new rail hub.

The estimated cost of the project is $1.3 billion over 25 years, with goals to enhance safety, boost regional economic development, and promote sustainable mobility by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Next Steps: Capacity Study

The ACFEM is moving forward with a capacity study to evaluate the economic viability of a passenger train service. This study is funded by a $187,000 grant from Transport Canada and matched by Quebec’s Rural and Regional Fund.

Government and Community Support

Federal Transport Minister Anita Anand praised the project’s economic potential for the Estrie and Montérégie regions, while Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability. François Bonnardel, Quebec’s Minister of Public Safety, highlighted the project’s years of discussion and its potential to significantly impact the region’s economy.

ACFEM President and Bromont Mayor Louis Villeneuve expressed gratitude to all partners, including federal and provincial governments, for their commitment to the initiative. “We are laying the foundation for a large-scale project that advances sustainable mobility and modernized infrastructure,” he said.

About ACFEM

Founded by municipal and regional governments, ACFEM unites federal, provincial, and private stakeholders to modernize rail infrastructure between Lac-Mégantic and Montreal. The alliance aims to ensure public safety and establish a modern passenger rail service.

Source: ACFEM