New Bridge Opens in Cape Breton

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS -New Bridge Opens in Cape Breton

Two years and $10 million later, the Margaree Harbour Bridge in Cape Breton is open to traffic.

Travellers can now drive over the new two-lane concrete structure, which connects Margaree Harbour and Belle Cote at the start of the Cabot Trail, a popular tourism route.

"This new bridge is a benefit to travellers and the local economy," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "It's going to move people and goods faster and more efficiently, and that's the sign of a first-class transportation network."

The new structure is 270 metres long with five spans. It replaces a 42-year-old structure that had reached the end of its lifespan.

"Government's investment here is a boon for local residents and for travellers to Cape Breton," said Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald. "The new bridge will benefit the Cape Breton tourism and economy for years to come."

The bridge opened to traffic on Friday night, Oct. 10, in time for the Thanksgiving weekend. An official opening ceremony will take place in a few weeks.

The Department of Transportation and Public Works' highways division manages more than 23,000 kilometres of roads in Nova Scotia. It maintains an inventory of 3,800 bridges and operates seven provincial ferries. Staff provide services from district offices in Bridgewater, Bedford, Truro and Sydney.