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Hydro-Québec towers under construction, circa 1988

"Polaroid” photo of the river. Here we see the first pylon built near the river bank and a temporary path leading to the middle of the river.

Source: Micheline Beauchemin and Jean-Paul Paré Collection.

In January 1987, the Minister of Energy and Resources suggested that two river crossings could be used to carry Hydro-Québec’s high-voltage line. An overhead line had to be erected to deliver electricity to New England on schedule, but a sub-river crossing could also be dug.

In November 1987, the decision was made. The temporary line erected over the river while the tunnel was being dug was to be dismantled by December 31, 1993 at the latest.