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Confederation Bridge

Northumberland Strait, Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick, Canada [INTERNATIONAL] · 1993–1997 · C$1.3 billion (1997 prices), approximately £700 million (using 1 CAD = 0.54 GBP, 1997 conversion)

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

One of Canada's first major Public-Private Partnership (P3) projects. - Innovative use of pre-fabrication to overcome challenging marine construction conditions. - Designed with unique features to withstand ice forces, including ice-breaking piers. - The bridge significantly improved connectivity and economic development for Prince Edward Island.

Key engineering challenges

Building in harsh ice conditions in the Northumberland Strait. - Designing for high lateral loading and complex geology. - Pre-fabrication of large bridge components on shore and transporting them to site. - Minimizing environmental impact on the marine ecosystem.

Project facts

Client / owner
Government of Canada (Public Works and Government Services Canada)
Lead contractor
Strait Crossing Joint Venture (SCJV)
Lead designers
J. Muller International (design concept), Stantec (engineering)
Project type
new build
Scale
12.9 km (8 miles) long; longest bridge in Canada; 44 piers with 250m span; entirely prefabricated.
Disciplines
Civil; Structural; Marine; Geotechnical
Standards & frameworks

Sources: Confederation Bridge Official: https://www.confederationbridge.com/about-the-project/ - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederation_Bridge - Vinci Construction Projets: https://www.vinci-construction-projets.com/en/realisations/confederation-bridge/ - Stantec: https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/canada-projects/c/confederation-bridge - PPP Council: https://www.pppcouncil.ca/home/confederation-bridge - Journals.library.mun.ca (Wave Scouring Design): https://journals.library.mun.ca/index.php/prototype/article/download/494/549/2159