A huge bridge costing £738 million is the longest bridge in the world that crosses ice-covered water. Canada’s Confederation Bridge spans the Northumberland Strait, connecting the provinces of Prince Edward Island (PEI) and New Brunswick.
The bridge was constructed between 1993 and 1997, with the official opening taking place on May 31, 1997.
It was built to replace the ferry service that previously operated between PEI and New Brunswick, providing a more efficient and reliable transportation link.
The bridge is an impressive engineering feat, measuring approximately 12.9 kilometres (eight miles) in length.
It is a two-lane highway bridge with a curved, continuous truss design, allowing it to withstand the harsh marine environment of the Northumberland Strait, including ice and strong winds.
The crossing has had a significant impact on the economy and tourism of Prince Edward Island.
It has facilitated easier access to the island for residents, businesses, and tourists, leading to increased trade, development, and visitor numbers.
To help cover the cost of construction and maintenance, tolls are collected from vehicles travelling from New Brunswick to PEI.
The toll is collected only when leaving the island, with no tolls charged for vehicles entering PEI.
The bridge is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure its safety and structural integrity.
In addition to its practical function as a transportation link, the Confederation Bridge has also become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Visitors can admire the bridge’s impressive architecture and enjoy scenic views of the Northumberland Strait and surrounding coastline from various vantage points along the bridge.
Travellers who have been on the bridge have given wonderful reviews on Tripadvisor.
One user said: “Canadian Confederation bridge spans 12.9km, it is the longest bridge over ice in the world. You pay a toll when you leave PEI. I crossed the bridge on July 3. The view is fine, I would not use ‘stunning’ to describe it, maybe I have seen more stunning bridges somewhere else. There is a small park on the PEI side at the foot of the bridge, a good spot for taking a photo.”
A second user said: “The bridge is impressive! Go there, drive over it, be amazed, take a picture, and then go ahead. An impressive bridge construction, nothing else.”
A third user said: “Way back in April of 2012 when we decided to vacation on Prince Edward Island from California, we had no idea what to expect. We flew to Boston and drove to PEI. We broke the drive up into two days, staying outside of Bangor Maine the first night, then on to PEI the second day.
“The highlight of the journey was seeing the Confederation Bridge; the 8-mile jaunt over the bridge was both boring and exciting, as we had finally made it to PEI.”
