The Confederation Bridge on the Northumberland Strait is the world's longest bridge over ice covered water (in winter) connecting
Prince Edward Island (PEI) and
New Brunswick in Eastern
Canada. Spanning a distance of 12.9 kms (8 miles), opened in 1997, is officially known as Pont De La Confederation. With construction effort of more than 5000 people, approximately one billion dollars have been invested. Today, the bridge is a two lane toll highway with a permissible speed limit of 80 kms per hour taking about 10 minutes to cross. No pedestrian and two wheelers are permitted on this stretch for which shuttle services are available.
Previously the stretch was commuted through ferry services, when the bridge was much debated by the locals following a settlement with a majority poll. The bridge is a notable engineering feet and tourist spectacle. It is supported by a multi-span concrete box girder structure with the design provided by a joint venture between J. Mueller International and Stantec. The design uniqueness is the curves created to ensure driver attention to prevent accidents, normally featuring on straight highways. The bridge has well planned drainage systems, closed circuit cameras, traffic signals, emergency telephones and a weather monitoring system.
The bridge is instrumental in increasing tourism focused on opting for day trips to PEI due to the convenience of the bridge. Increasingly, PEI is thriving in tourism with golfing, retail and beach vacations. So next time you visit Canada, don't forget to feel the breeze as you drive along this watery or icy stretch!
