The history of Saint John Harbour Bridge
As the 1950s ended, the City of Saint John found itself struggling with traffic congestion, particularly on its bridge. It became clear a second span was needed to keep vehicles flowing efficiently across the harbour. After much discussion and several studies, the New Brunswick Legislature was petitioned to create a Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority. The province approved the act in 1962, giving the Authority responsibility for building and maintaining a new toll bridge.
Contracts for the Bridge’s four main piers were signed in September 1965. Nearly three years later, on August 17, 1968, the Saint John Harbour Bridge was partially opened to traffic. The entire bridge complex was open the following month. Today, approximately 38,000 vehicles cross this bridge every day. And it remains a vital link for businesses and commuters in Saint John.