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Feds, Quebec to announce Lac-Mégantic rail bypass on Friday

In this July 6, 2013, file photo, smoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac-Mégantic, Que.
In this July 6, 2013, file photo, smoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac-Mégantic, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in Lac-Mégantic on Friday to announce a rail bypass nearly five years after a train derailed and exploded in the Quebec town, killing 47 people.

READ MORE: Crown says bankrupt railway in Lac-Mégantic tragedy won’t have to stand trial

Sources tell The Canadian Press that Trudeau and federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau will be on hand and that the federal government will assume 60 per cent of the cost of building the bypass.

READ MORE: Accused in Lac-Mégantic found not guilty of criminal negligence in train derailment that killed 47 people

Quebec will take on the remaining 40 per cent.

WATCH BELOW: Father of Lac-Megantic victim happy with not-guilty verdict

Click to play video: 'Father of Lac-Megantic victim happy with not guilty verdict'
Father of Lac-Megantic victim happy with not guilty verdict

The price tag for the 11-kilometre bypass is estimated at $133 million.

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In January, Garneau urged the Couillard government to do its part to make the project a reality.

READ MORE: MMA and former employees plead guilty, fined $1.25 million in Lac-Mégantic case

On July 6, 2013, a runaway train carrying crude oil from the United States derailed in Lac-Mégantic and exploded, killing the 47 people and destroying part of the city centre.

WATCH BELOW: Tom Harding ‘too moved’ by Lac-Megantic verdict to talk with reporters, but ‘terribly relieved’: lawyer

Click to play video: 'Tom Harding ‘too moved’ by Lac-Megantic verdict to talk with reporters, but ‘terribly relieved’: lawyer'
Tom Harding ‘too moved’ by Lac-Megantic verdict to talk with reporters, but ‘terribly relieved’: lawyer

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