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The Confederation Bridge rises

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.

Six thousand construction workers and one enormous floating crane are bringing the bridge into existence. Watching the pillars of concrete come jutting out from the Northumberland Strait is a bitter reminder of a lost fight for some P.E.I. residents. For others, it's an exciting indication that life is really about to change for good.
This CBC Television report takes a peak at the bridge's progress and the growing anxiety and anticipation that follows in its wake.
• For those hard to reach places, construction workers used the one-of-a-kind floating crane called Svanen (The Swan). The crane is 100 metres high and can lift up to 8,700 tonnes — a maximum weight that just barely supported the bridge's largest piece.
• Building began in fall of 1993 and was completed in May of 1997.
Medium: Television
Program: Prime Time News
Broadcast Date: June 19, 1995
Guest(s): Valerie Downe, Irene Novaczek, Kevin Pytyck, Ken Pytyck
Reporter: Kas Roussy
Duration: 2:10

Last updated: April 18, 2012

Page consulted on April 2, 2013

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