The 13-kilometre span between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick officially opened in 1997, and its owner, Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd., is constantly looking for ways to keep it safe and secure for passengers.
Thursday, (May 31) general manager Michel LeChasseur detailed some of those upgrades.
"You can appreciate, in this salt-water environment, electronics are probably the first things to go," he said.
"We already started with the (new) LED lights, state-of-the-art technology that comes from Amherst, which is another good thing – we're encouraging Atlantic Canadian suppliers.
"They've worked marvelously for two years in some of the highest winds we've ever seen, reaching up to 167 kilometres an hour."
The $2.68 million in finding for the technological upgrades was provided last year – split 50 per cent between the federal government and the bridge operator.
The new streetlights have been installed since Christmas, and improve visibility on the road surface while reducing the bridge's greenhouse gas footprint.
Strait Crossing Bridge purchased a digital radio system that enhances emergency response capabilities, and improves communication with staff working inside the bridge.
Also added is a 511 system that allows cell phone users in the 902 and 506 area codes to get up-to-the-minute information on bridge conditions.
The company launched a revamped website and an iPhone application this year as well.
There are more advancements to come in the future, added LeChasseur, including new tilt meters that will gauge the bridge's movements.
"The bridge is always in movement, and now we'll have in real time what the whole bridge is doing, not just a sample of it."
The message signs at both ends will be switched out next month in favour of new LED versions.
While the bridge received much opposition from the community in the years before it was constructed, many business owners and residents are now singing its praises.
"Our lives have never been the same," said Jeanette Arsenault, who owns Cavendish Figurines in Gateway Village.
"In May this year, we had 43 motor coaches, so that's pretty darn good for P.E.I. in the month of May. Despite a downturn in the tourism industry in the last few years, Cavendish Figurines has continued to grow, and that's because of the bridge."
Journal Pioneer
