Implications of the collapse of the de la Concorde overpass

The Commission of Inquiry issued the report one year after the accident in September 2006, when this Quebec overpass collapsed on to the carriageway below, killing five people and injuring six. This is a rigorous report, covering technical and administrative circumstances that led to the collapse. Recommendations for good practice in highway management are put forward and the author encourages professionals to read the report for its significant information and insights, which can be related to their own practices. This article briefly summarises the report covering the history of the bridge, the collapse including a summary of the technical factors, the strength, shear strength and lessons for appraisal, inspection and remedial work, administrative and financial recommendations. Detailed references and appendices appear in this article, including website access to the English version of the report and another website access to the report plus all the evidence, in French.