Ferry Street Bridge Has Grand Opening

The opening of a new Ferry Street Bridge in Sydney will link communities, provide an attractive entrance to commercial and recreational parks and mark a milestone in the cleanup of the Sydney Tar Ponds.

Pedestrians began crossing the bridge today, Aug. 11. Vehicle traffic will begin crossing Monday.

"Our government is pleased to officially open the Ferry Street Bridge in the heart of downtown Sydney," said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "In addition to the important environmental and health benefits of remediating the former Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens sites for local residents, the opening of the Ferry Street Bridge is yet another example of how the project is building a stronger economy and positive future for Cape Breton."

The Sydney Tar Ponds Agency celebrated the reopening at a ceremony on the bridge, where area residents watched boats made from recycled materials float down an engineered channel.

"The Ferry Street Bridge is a structural and symbolic icon in Cape Breton, linking surrounding communities, all levels of government, and an important history to a promising future," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith.

The $3.5-million bridge built by local contractor Joneljim Concrete Construction, is 33 metres long with two traffic lanes and sidewalks on both sides. Decorative railings and energy-efficient light lamps tie the bridge to downtown Sydney's look and feel.

"The completion of Ferry Street Bridge is a significant for our communities," said Alastair Macleod, Community Liaison Committee chair. "This bridge reconnects us. It also provides us with the ability to see the positive changes happening at the former tar ponds site, which are now visible from the bridge."

In January 2007, the federal and provincial governments committed $400 million to ensure the cleanup is completed by March 31, 2014.