Tolls to be removed from Halifax bridges 2 weeks early

Halifax residents can rejoice as tolls on the city’s two harbour bridges are set to be removed two weeks ahead of schedule. The Angus L. Macdonald and A. Murray MacKay bridges will cease collecting tolls as of 5 a.m. on March 17, according to a news release from the provincial government.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley expressed his excitement over the early removal of tolls, stating, “This is great news for commuters, and we’re proud that we’re delivering on our election promise of removing the tolls. It’s one less fee to pay when getting where you need to go, and more money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians.”

The process of removing the toll plazas will begin this month, starting with the Macdonald Bridge. This transition to free-flowing traffic will involve the removal of concrete barriers and electrical equipment, resurfacing roadways, and reconfiguring lanes to accommodate the change.

Tolls have been in place on the bridges since the opening of the Macdonald Bridge 70 years ago. In 2024, Halifax Harbour Bridges generated approximately $36 million in toll revenue. The province has allocated $15 million for an operating grant to the bridge commission, which will be transformed into a new Crown corporation, and $86 million for capital repairs.

To facilitate the takeover of responsibility for the bridges, the Nova Scotia government will make a one-time addition of $300 million to the provincial debt. More than 200,000 Nova Scotians have MacPass accounts, which are used to pay tolls through a transponder. Balances from these accounts will be refunded in the coming weeks.

It is important to note that MacPass Plus will no longer be an option for paying for parking at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The removal of tolls on the harbour bridges marks a significant milestone for Halifax commuters, who can now enjoy a smoother and more convenient journey across the bridges without the burden of toll fees.