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The Confederation Bridge officially opens in 1997

Almost since Confederation, a link between Prince Edward Island and the rest of Canada was a lively possibility. But would a fixed link sacrifice the island's stand-alone charm or just make life more convenient? And could a link disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the Northumberland Strait? From fishermen to farmers to ferry workers, the island's prospects were debated and protected. In 1988, after a referendum with 60 per cent in favour, the inevitable came to pass. It wouldn't be a tunnel or causeway; it would be a curvaceous, 12.9-kilometre bridge.

With the Snowbirds flying above and the Blue Nose sailing below, the Confederation Bridge is officially opened today, right on schedule. Crowds have gathered to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony and take part in some of the traditional music and dancing festivities. Motorists have lined up to test-drive the 13-kilometre link from Canada's charming island province to the mainland. For the first time ever, the trip is an easy 10-minute ride.

No more waits for ferries. And all the fears and fantasies that were debated for decades will now be tested. Will the bridge boost the economy? Will it harm the wildlife of Northumberland Strait? Will wind blow hard enough to knock a freight truck down? For today, all worries are cast aside.
• The Confederation Bridge connects Borden-Carlton, P.E.I to Jourimain Island, New Brunswick.
• The bridge is 11 metres wide and has a 3.75-metre-wide lane for traffic in each direction with a 1.75 metre wide shoulder on each side. Pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge, although they were encouraged to test it out on foot for the opening weekend.

• The bridge was named in a "Name the Fixed Link Fun-fest." There were 136 entries. Prince Edward Islanders Zeno and Marie O'Brien suggested the name Confederation, and won an umbrella for their efforts.
• To keep drivers from ocean-gazing as they cross, metre-high concrete barriers line the entire bridge. The regular speed limit is 80 km/h and passing or stopping is not allowed on the bridge. There are 310 streetlights and 17 surveillance cameras to make sure everyone stays safe and on course.

• Borden-Carleton hosted over 150,000 people for Bridgefest '97. Over the next five years the number steadily declined. Bridgefest '02 was a small-scale community festival with a kite fest, bicycle rodeo and ball tournament.
Medium: Television
Program: The National
Broadcast Date: May 31, 1997
Guest(s): Pat Binns, Frank McKenna
Reporter: Kas Roussy
Duration: 2:15

Last updated: March 9, 2012

Page consulted on November 27, 2012

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