Confederation Bridge FAQs:

The total cost of construction was one billion dollars.

The structure design was produced by a consortium headed by a joint venture of J. Muller International and Stantec (formerly SLG Stanley Consulting).

The Confederation Bridge utilizes a multi-span concrete box girder structure. That design was chosen because of the extraordinary length of the bridge.

The Confederation Bridge is the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water.

The public was invited to submit suggestions, and an advisory committee narrowed the list of 2200 suggestions down to three possibilities, which were presented to the former Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Diane Marleau. On September 27, 1996, the minister announced the new structure would be called the Confederation Bridge.

Construction began on October 7, 1993, and the bridge officially opened on May 31, 1997.

At peak production, 2079 craft workers and 415 staff were employed in building the bridge. In total, more than 5000 people were employed during the construction phase of the project.

Traffic statistics are not released to the public as this is privileged and confidential information of Strait Crossing Bridge Limited, the privately-owned operator of the bridge.

The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes at the posted 80 km/hr speed limit.

Tolls are paid upon leaving Prince Edward Island.

The Confederation Bridge does not offer discounted passages in order to treat all customers fairly.

Tolls can be paid directly at the crossing using major credit cards, debit or cash. Gift cards for crossings can be purchased at several locations in New Brunswick and PEI, listed on our Gift Cards page.

The Confederation Bridge operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reservations are not necessary.

Tolls are charged based on the number of axles on a vehicle. A two-axled RV would be charged the same amount as a regular car. An extra charge would be added for the two additional axles of the towed car.

School buses that have two axles pay the same toll as a regular car.

Tolls increase once per year based on the inflation rate.

Commercial vehicles can report wide loads by calling Bridge Control at (902) 437-7349. There are no additional fees pertaining to wide loads, however some loads require temporary closure of the bridge.

Cyclists and pedestrians are not permitted on the Confederation Bridge. Bridge personnel operate a pedestrian shuttle which can accommodate baggage and bicycles. More information is listed on the Tolls and Fees page.

Bridge personnel are available to drive vehicles across the bridge for drivers who require assistance. Use the telephone at the bridge facilities in New Brunswick and PEI to reach Bridge Control staff who are available to help.

The Confederation Bridge is not open for public tours.

The Bridge Cam can rotate 360 degrees and alternately faces Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Some photographs are available for a free download in our online gallery. Contact us to obtain other printable photos and information on permissions.