Old Quebec Funicular
46°48′45″N 71°12′14″W / 46.812545°N 71.203959°W
| Old Quebec Funicular | |
|---|---|
 View from the funicular, looking down on Rue Sous-le-Fort (straight ahead) and Rue du Petit-Champlain to the right | |
| Overview | |
| Status | In use |
| Locale | Quebec City, Quebec |
| Service | |
| Type | Funicular |
| History | |
| Opened | 1879 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 0.064 km (0.040 mi) |
| Number of tracks | Double track |
| Highest elevation | 59 m (194 ft) |
| Maximum incline | 100% |
The Old Quebec Funicular (French: Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, pronounced [fynikylɛʁ dy vjø kebɛk]) is an inclined elevator, formerly a funicular railway, in the Old Quebec neighbourhood of Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It links the Haute-Ville (Upper Town) at Dufferin Terrace to the Basse-Ville (Lower Town) at Rue du Petit-Champlain. The Basse-Ville includes such sites as the colonial-era Notre Dame des Victoires church, the historic Petit Champlain district, the port, and the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization). Climbing at a 45-degree angle, the railway covers a total distance of 64 metres (210 ft).[1]
History
The funicular opened on November 17, 1879 as a water balance railway. The line was converted to electrical operation in 1907. On July 2, 1945, a major fire destroyed the structure, necessitating a rebuild that was completed in 1946. Since then, major renovations have taken place in 1978 and 1998. In 2004, it celebrated 125 years of operating.[2]
In October 1996, Briton Helen Tombs was killed when the cable snapped and the emergency brake failed to stop the cabin before it crashed into the lower station.[3][4] As a result of this fatal crash, the funicular was closed and entirely revamped with modern technology. It reopened in 1998, technically as an inclined elevator, since both cabins are independent.[5][6]
The funicular has the following technical parameters:[7]
- Length: 64 metres (210 ft)
- Height: 59 metres (194 ft)
- Cars: 2
- Configuration: Double track
- Traction: Electricity
See also
References
- ^ "Funicular - Quebec City 101". Quebec City 101. 21 March 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2016.
- ^ "History". Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec inc. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2007.
- ^ "Passenger Dies in Cable Car Plunge". Associated Press. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ Jury, Louise (October 14, 1996). "Briton killed as funicular car crashes". The Independent. London. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ "Transit History of Quebec". David A. Wyatt. Retrieved May 8, 2012.
- ^ "Le Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec fête son 130e anniversaire : 1879-2009" (in French). Marketwire.
- ^ "Funiculaire du Vieux-Quebec". Funiculars.net. Retrieved March 23, 2007.
External links
- The Old Quebec Funicular (in English)
