How long is the Confederation Bridge?

The Confederation Bridge is a bridge in Canada that connects the province of Prince Edward Island with the mainland province of New Brunswick. The Confederation Bridge is approximately 12.9 kilometers (8 miles) long. It is a remarkable engineering feat and one of the longest bridges in the world over ice-covered waters.

The Confederation Bridge is a remarkable engineering feat that connects the eastern Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the neighboring province of New Brunswick. It spans the Northumberland Strait, which is a body of water known for its icy conditions and challenging maritime environment.

The bridge was constructed as an alternative to the ferry services that previously provided the primary means of transportation between PEI and the mainland. Before the bridge’s completion, the ferry system was often affected by weather conditions and could be a bottleneck for both residents and travelers. The bridge was conceived as a solution to provide a more reliable and efficient year-round transportation link.

The bridge’s length of approximately 12.9 kilometers (8 miles) makes it one of the longest bridges in the world over ice-covered waters. Its construction was a complex endeavor due to the strait’s icy conditions, strong currents, and sometimes harsh weather. Engineers had to design the bridge to withstand these challenges, including ice collisions and freeze-thaw cycles.

The Confederation Bridge has had a significant impact on the region. It has facilitated easier access to Prince Edward Island, boosting tourism, commerce, and overall connectivity. The bridge has become an iconic landmark, symbolizing the unity and connectivity between PEI and the mainland provinces. Its scenic views and engineering marvel draw tourists and visitors, making it not only a functional transportation route but also a cultural and tourist attraction.

Overall, the Confederation Bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in overcoming geographical obstacles to create a vital link that has transformed transportation and connectivity for the people of Prince Edward Island and beyond.

The five longest bridges in the world

1. Danyang-Kunshan Grand Bridge (China): This bridge is located in China and is considered the longest bridge in the world. It is part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway and spans approximately 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles).
2. Changhua-Kaohsiung Viaduct (Taiwan): Also known as the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Viaduct, this bridge is located in Taiwan and stretches around 157.3 kilometers (97.8 miles). It’s an integral part of Taiwan’s high-speed rail network.
3. Tianjin Grand Bridge (China): This bridge is another impressive feat of engineering in China, with a length of about 113.7 kilometers (70.6 miles). It is part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway as well.
4. Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge (China): China’s high-speed rail network boasts yet another long bridge, the Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, spanning approximately 79.7 kilometers (49.5 miles).
5. Bang Na Expressway (Thailand): While not as lengthy as the Chinese counterparts, this elevated highway in Thailand still holds a considerable length of around 54 kilometers (33.6 miles). It connects Bang Na in Bangkok to Bang Pakong in Chachoengsao Province.