Overview:

: Confederation Bridge is a bridge spanning the Abegweit Passage of Northumberland Strait, linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick, Canada. The bridge was completed on May 31, 1997 and opened on June 1, 1997. Spanning 8 miles (12.9 km) and costing $1.3 billion, it is the longest bridge over ice-covered water in the world. The bridge was built by Strait Crossing Bridge Limited, a consortium of Alcan, EllisDon and C.A. Leverman Co.Confederation Bridge was awarded the International Brunel Award in 1998 and the Canadian Consulting Engineering Award of Excellence in 1998. In June 2020, the Province of Prince Edward Island and Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd. began work on a major life-extension project to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity for another 50 years. The bridge is one of the most recognisable and dividing land marks on the island, for its engineering accomplishments and role as an integral transportation link between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Canada
Prominent Features:

The Confederation Bridge is a 12.9-kilometer (8-mile) bridge which links the provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick in Canada. Constructed at a cost of CAD$1.3 billion, it is the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. The groundbreaking for the bridge construction took place in October 1993 and the bridge was opened in May 1997, two months ahead of schedule. The bridge is now a major transportation link in the region and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada. This national monument of Canada portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Confederation Bridge, officially the J.D. Irving Limited Confederation Bridge, spans the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Strait, connecting Borden-Carleton on Prince Edward Island and Cape Jourimain on the mainland of New Brunswick. It is the longest bridge spanning a navigable waterway in the world at 12.9 km (8 mi). The bridge opened on 31 May 1997, at a final cost of C$1.3 billion. The idea of a fixed link connecting the island to the mainland is one dating back to the 19th century when the movement of goods and people between the two sides proved difficult. However, it wasn't until the 1980s before serious planning began. In 1986, the Prince Edward Island Bridge Authority (PEIBA) was established to consider the idea of a bridge or tunnel connecting the Prince Edward Island to the main land. After evaluating several potential bridge alignment options and taking into consideration public opinion, capital costs, and engineering feasibility, the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island approved the development of a proposal for a bridge joining the community of Borden, Prince Edward Island to Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick. In 1990, The two governments engaged Jacques Whitford & Associates to prepare and file an environmental assessment to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency for the proposed Confederation Bridge. In 1993, the governments secured a private sector partner and a contract was tendered for the construction of the bridge. The successful proponent was Strait Crossing Bridge Limited, a consortium consisting of the PCL family of companies, Mitsui Babcock Canada Inc., Flatiron Constructors of Canada Corporation, and DYWIDAG-Systems International Canada Inc. The bridge opened on 31 May 1997, seven months ahead of scheduled and at a final cost of C$1.3 billion, much lower than the projected C$1.8 billion in the proposal. It has been reported as the longest bridge to span a navigable waterway and is also considered one of Canada's most notable Civil Engineering works of the 20th century. You must visit one of these historical places in Canada on your Canada tour

Interesting facts:

1. The world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters is the Confederation Bridge, which is 8 miles long and connects Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick in Canada. 2. Canadian engineering firm COWI North America designed the bridge, which opened in May 1997. 3. The environmentally friendly design used isothermal technology which freezes the seabed floor together to form a solid foundation. 4. The bridge is a four-lane, dual-span structure which rises 155 feet at its highest point. 5. The total cost of building the bridge was US$1.25 billion, making it one of the most expensive bridges ever built at the time. 6. Before the bridge was constructed, the only way to access Prince Edward Island via road was via a ferry system, which has been running since the 1960s. 7. The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction, and features powerful thunderstorms, amazing sunsets, and huge fossils. Visit one of the famous monuments of Canada with your friends and family.