The Strength of Post-Tensioning
One of the most important structural elements of the bridge is hidden: a construction technique called post-tensioning was used to tie the pier bases, shafts, and girder together into one solid, continuous structure that is designed to last 100 years.
Construction
Construction, the majority of which was carried out at on-shore staging facilities, began on October 7, 1993. Crews at the staging facility in New Brunswick created components for the approach bridges using pre-cast concrete in steel forms, while the main bridge components – including pier bases, shafts, main girders and drop-in girders – were produced on the opposite side of the Northumberland Strait, at the staging facility in Prince Edward Island.
Once the precast components were complete in July 1995, the forms were transported by water to the bridge site and assembled in place by a twin launching truss with a one-of-a-kind travelling gantry crane called the Svanen.
Construction crews reached an important milestone in August 1996, when the P22, or Navigation Span, was set in place by the crane, marking the halfway point of the bridge. On November 19, 1996, shortly before midnight, the last component of the Confederation Bridge was placed; construction of the approach roads and toll plaza, and final work on the structure continued until May of 1997.
FAQs
How much did it cost to build the bridge?
The total cost of construction was one billion dollars.
How long did it take to build the bridge?
Construction began on October 7, 1993 and the bridge officially opened on May 31, 1997.
How many people were hired for the project?
At peak production, 2,079 craft workers and 415 staff were employed in building the bridge. In total, more than 5,000 people were employed during the construction phase of the project.