About The Project
The Confederation Bridge is a vital transportation link connecting Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Since opening in 1997, it has safely carried millions of vehicles, playing a critical role in passenger travel, commercial transportation, emergency services, tourism, and regional economic activity.
As part of its long-term maintenance program, the bridge roadway will undergo a planned resurfacing to ensure its continued efficient performance for decades to come.
The Confederation Bridge will remain open during the work, but a portion of the bridge will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic in the construction work zone (3.5 km). The work zone will move each day along the bridge as work is completed.
The work will start in late April or early May on the lane coming from New-Brunswick and progress toward Prince Edward Island. This side of the bridge will be completed before work starts on the second lane, from Prince Edward Island toward New-Brunswick. It is estimated that the project will be completed by the end of June 2026.
This timeframe was chosen to minimize impact to bridge users and tourism while being within the required weather for this technical work. It is anticipated that lengthy delays will be incurred by all users of the bridge during this construction period.
The travelling public is asked to plan ahead and allow additional travel time (30-60 minutes under normal circumstances) to account for construction-related delays.
Work will be led by Strait Crossing Development Inc. (SCDI) the private sector developer tasked by the Government of Canada with designing, building, financing, and operating the Confederation Bridge. Shareholders of this special-purpose consortium are Vinci Highways & Strait Crossing Inc.
Why This Work Is Needed
Bridge infrastructure is designed for long-term performance, but like all major transportation assets, it requires regular maintenance and reinvestment.
Since opening in 1997, the bridge has undergone routine inspections and maintenance, including micro-resurfacing in 2015 to preserve the driving surface. The upcoming resurfacing project represents the most significant work undertaken since the bridge was originally constructed. Resurfacing will:
- Enable continued protection of the structural deck from ingress of water and deicing salt
- Ensure the 100 years lifespan of the bridge is met or exceeded
- Reduce the need for significant repairs in the future
- Improve driving conditions and ride quality.
This work is preventative and proactive and part of responsible infrastructure stewardship by Strait Crossing Bridge Limited.
Scope of Work
The project includes:
- Milling of the existing asphalt
- Thorough cleaning of the milled surface
- Production and placement of high quality asphalt on the bridge
Construction activities will be carefully staged to maintain traffic flow and allow for the bridge to remain open at all times while ensuring worker and public safety, but delays will occur during the construction period.
Commitment to Safety & Reliability
Maintaining safe and reliable access between the Provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick remains the top priority throughout this project.
This resurfacing project represents continued reinvestment in one of Atlantic Canada’s most important pieces of infrastructure. By completing this work now, we are helping ensure the Confederation Bridge remains safe, resilient, and dependable for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
