The Saint John Harbour Bridge History

A Bit of History

The Reversing Falls Bridge
When the Loyalists finally settled in Saint John after the hectic 1783 departure from the United States, one of their immediate problems was the question of transportation within their own new "city born overnight". Massive craggy rocks and hills divided the two most populous areas and the Saint John River and Harbour with their tremendous rise and fall in tides provided a real challenge to the settlers. Commerce between the two sides was by a wonderful and varied assortment of watercraft.

In 1835, the Saint John Bridge Company was incorporated and soon bridge construction was started below the Reversing Falls. In August of 1837, the first bridge effort came crashing down, killing seven men. Later, another attempt was made at the site of the present Reversing Falls Bridge. It too fell.

Thanks to the vision and initiative of William Kilby Reynolds, a "Wire Suspension Bridge" was opened on January 1, 1853. This bridge was removed in 1916 and the present Reversing Falls Bridge took its place.

The Harbour Bridge

In the twentieth century, the need for a second crossing was apparent for many decades, but numerous attempts to make such a facility a reality were continuously frustrated.

As the 1950's ended, Saint John was gradually strangling in its own growing stream of traffic. On 1 May, 1961 Common Council held a meeting and appointed a six member citizens' committee.

Studies were started and discussion grew. The New Brunswick Legislature was petitioned to set up a Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority that would build, maintain and operate a toll bridge.

This act was approved on April 13, 1962. Contracts for the four main piers were signed in September 1965.

On August 17, 1968, ahead of schedule, the bridge was partially opened to traffic. One month later, the entire bridge complex was opened. The remarkable 1960's had brought a whole new look to the Loyalist City.