MONTREAL - The Quebec government is creating an independent agency that will be responsible for the province's bridges and overpasses as a result of last year's deadly viaduct collapse.
Transport Minister Julie Boulet says the new body will be responsible for their maintenance and upkeep.
Boulet told a news conference in Montreal today the agency will look after 4,400 structures across the province.
The Quebec government will also spend $11.6 billion over the next four years on bridge and overpass maintenance.
An inquiry into the September 2006 overpass collapse near Montreal pointed to "a total lack of quality control" in the construction of the viaduct 35 years ago and bad government inspection practices since then.
The inquiry also said a questionable design, shoddy construction and low-quality concrete used to build the overpass set the stage for the accident, in which five people died and six others were injured.
