New era as toll booths come down on Angus L. Macdonald Bridge

The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge in Nova Scotia is set to reopen on Monday, marking a historic moment as tolls will no longer be collected for the first time in its 70-year history. This weekend, the bridge is closed to traffic as crews work diligently to remove the toll plaza and make the necessary preparations for fare-free travel.

The decision to eliminate tolls from the harbour bridges was a key promise made by Tim Houston and his PC party during the 2024 campaign. With over 200,000 Nova Scotians utilizing MacPass accounts to pay tolls through a transponder system, balances will be refunded in the coming weeks as the toll plaza is dismantled.

Construction to remove the toll plaza on the MacKay Bridge is scheduled to commence on Monday, following the completion of work on the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge. This significant development not only signifies a new era of toll-free travel for residents and visitors but also highlights the government’s commitment to improving accessibility and convenience for commuters.

Images captured during the closure show crews diligently working on the Dartmouth side of the bridge, with backhoes and construction workers visible in the background. Signs indicating the closure of the bridge serve as a reminder of the temporary inconvenience for drivers, with the promise of a toll-free future awaiting them upon reopening.

As Nova Scotians eagerly anticipate the reopening of the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge without tolls, this milestone serves as a testament to progress and positive change in the region’s infrastructure. The removal of tolls not only benefits commuters financially but also streamlines traffic flow and enhances the overall travel experience for all who cross the bridge.