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All Canada Prince Edward Island Bayfield Confederation Bridge

Confederation Bridge

This engineering marvel is the longest bridge in Canada and one of the longest spans in the world.

Bayfield, Prince Edward Island

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Under construction, 1996.   Joe Shlabotnik/cc by 2.0
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Confederation Bridge at sunset.   Martin Cathrae/cc by-sa 2.0
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About

This incredible feat of engineering, known to locals as the "Fixed Link," provides the only road link between the province of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick in mainland Canada. Stretching an impressive 7.5 miles across the Northumberland Strait (it takes a full 10 minutes to drive across), the Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge in Canada and the longest span in the world to extend over (seasonally) ice-covered waters.  Believe it or not, this bridge was built in 1997, despite there being various proposals for a land link between the provinces starting as early as the 1870s. With the rising costs of the ferry service, a proposal by a Nova Scotia businessman is the one that finally stuck, and the consultation process began.

Some opposed the bridge, citing fears it would change their little island, or possibly endanger the marine ecosystem of the strait. In the end, and after an amendment to the Constitution of Canada even, the multi-span concrete bridge was green-lit and construction began. As hoped for, the eye-catching bridge did indeed facilitate an increase in tourism in PEI, and it remains a vital connection between the nation and its smallest province today. 

The toll bridge costs just under 50 CAD to cross with the average vehicle. Interestingly, cyclists and pedestrians are not permitted on this narrow bridge due to safety concerns, but a shuttle is operated to take them across. The bridge closes when winds are high, particularly to truck traffic.

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Bridges Engineering Ice World's Longest Infrastructure

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The Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area at the foot of the bridge on the New Brunswick side offers a beautiful view of the structure. There is a boardwalk along the water and a trail connects to a nature center that displays information about the construction of the bridge.

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  • Osage
  • lmckenna
  • astether
  • Meg
  • schilte99
  • Wanderuss

Published

August 12, 2019

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  • https://www.confederationbridge.com/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_Bridge#Effect
  • https://caen-keepexploring.canada.travel/things-to-do/top-10-attractions-prince-edward-island
Confederation Bridge
Trans-Canada Highway
Bayfield, Prince Edward Island
Canada
46.163682, -63.814921
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Nearby Places

International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame

Summerside, Prince Edward Island

miles away

Thinker's Lodge in Pugwash, Nova Scotia

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Canada

Places 11
Stories 2

Nearby Places

International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame

Summerside, Prince Edward Island

miles away

Thinker's Lodge in Pugwash, Nova Scotia

Pugwash, Nova Scotia

miles away

Edouard Arsenault Bottle Houses

Wellington County, Prince Edward Island

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

Canada

Places 11
Stories 2

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