NEW UPDATES TO MARCH 21

Tolls for both Halifax Harbour bridges ended March 17.

Toll plaza removal on the Macdonald began March 14 when the bridge closed for the weekend. Two weekend closures are scheduled to get the job done.

Watch a video of the demolition: Macdonald plaza demolition in seconds

This demolition work includes the removal of toll booths, concrete barriers, and gantries, electrical and electronics removal; resurfacing roadways and reconfiguring lanes. This major change marks the end of an era that began 70 years ago when the Macdonald Bridge first opened.

What to Expect

Plaza removal began with the Macdonald Bridge with two full weekend closures:

Friday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. to Monday, March 24 at 5:30 a.m. COMPLETE

Friday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. to Monday, March 17 at 5:30 a.m.

Weekend closure dates have not been finalized for the MacKay Bridge toll plaza removal, although preparatory has already begun. It is important to note that one bridge will always be open to vehicles .Drivers should expect some temporary changes in traffic patterns as this transition takes place.

For the approximately 230,00 MACPASS account holders, any remaining balances in your accounts as of April 1 will be eligible for a refund after that date. The refund process will begin mid-April with automatic credit card refunds to customers with credit cards attached to their accounts. Given the high number of accounts, refunds will take time, and we appreciate everyone’s patience during this process.

TIP: To help process your refund, please make sure your MACPASS account is updated with your current contact and payment information.

Drive Safely in This New Era

With the removal of toll booths, drivers should remain extra cautious as they approach and cross the bridges. Be mindful of posted speed limits- including 25 km/h in the plaza areas; stay alert to new traffic patterns, and practise patience and kindness with other drivers as everyone adjusts to this new system.

Please be aware there will be increased enforcement on the bridges.

This marks a historic moment for Halifax Harbour Bridges and for all those who rely on them daily. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to a smooth transition as we move into this toll-free future together.

Check out our Toll-free Q&A for answers to frequently asked questions. The Q&A will be updated as more information becomes available.

When will the toll come off the Halifax bridges?

The toll for all passenger and commercial vehicles were removed March 17. Restrictions that limit overweight vehicles and certain classes of prohibited vehicles remain in place.

Will commercial vehicles now be allowed on the Macdonald Bridge?

No. Commercial vehicles over 3,200 kg must still use the MacKay Bridge. Violators will face a $237.50 fine for a first offence. Commercial vehicles towing a trailer should use the MacKay Bridge.

Passenger vehicles towing a recreational vehicle or other non-commercial load can cross either bridge toll-free if the total weight does not exceed 3,200 kg. If the weight exceeds that limit, use of the MacKay Bridge is required.

What about transit buses and charter buses?

These vehicles can continue to use either bridge and are exempt from the weight restriction on Macdonald bridge.

Will there be a dedicated truck or bus lane on either bridge?

No. The envisioned alignments will be mixed traffic as are most roads and highways in the province.

Will the toll plazas be removed by April 1?

HHB is moving quickly to remove the toll plazas to create the optimum open-road experience. Toll booths have been removed from the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, creating a free-flowing traffic system. The removal included toll booths, concrete barriers, and gantries, electrical and electronics removal, resurfacing roadways, and reconfiguring lanes (see below).

Work on removing the MacKay toll plaza will begin following the completion of the Macdonald project. It requires a more complicated road configuration to ensure safety and efficiency. All closures are weather dependent.

How are the new lanes be configured on the Macdonald Bridge?

How will the new lanes be configured on the MacKay Bridge?

The driving pattern for the MacKay Bridge toll plaza area will change once construction has begun. Since March 17 when tolls were removed, all traffic is pushed to the right in both directions, using the tall plaza passthroughs. The middle section is closed and used as a construction site as the middle sections of the toll plaza are removed. NOTE: The Princess Margaret Blvd..on-ramp is closed for six weeks beginning March 17 for safety reasons. The off-ramp section from the Highway 111 to PMB remains open.

Will bridge traffic speeds increase with removal of the tolls?

HHB will maintain the current speed limits: 70 km/h on the MacKay Bridge and 50 km/h on the Macdonald Bridge.

However, based on experience, HHB anticipates that some drivers may be tempted to speed through the toll plazas. To ensure safety, HHB will increase enforcement efforts to prevent speeding and distracted driving.

Whether the booths are in place or demolished by April, drivers must remain attentive. The plazas and/ or new alignments will still require careful navigation. HHB urges all motorists to follow posted speed limits and drive with caution.

Will HHB Bridge Patrol still respond to accidents and breakdowns on the bridge?

Yes. As a continuing part of our mission to provide safe, reliable cross-harbour transportation, our Bridge Patrol will respond to accidents and emergencies to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. A prompt response means freer flowing traffic more quickly.

How will all the waste materials from the demolition of the tolls dealt with?

The contractor is contractually obligated to dispose of the waste in an environmentally friendly way.

MACPASS INFORMATION

How can I get the balance of money on my MACPASS account returned?

There are more than 230 000 active MACPASS accounts with a balance. MACPASS staff will begin closing accounts and refunding money to users with links to credit cards beginning April 15. This exercise may take several weeks.

The best way to ensure the speedy return of your funds is to log in to your account before April 1 and make sure your contact and credit card information is up to date. You can also log in to add a credit card or Visa/MasterCard/debit card for a refund. Customers that topped up their MACPASS account with cash can contact the MACPASS Customer Service staff in person or by phone after May 12.

I paid a deposit on my MACPASS transponder. Will I get that money returned to me?

HHB stopped charging deposits on MACPASS transponders several years ago. At that time, any account holder who had paid a deposit fee had that fee returned to their account.

I top up my MACPASS with cash? What are my responsibilities?                

Please pop down to the MACPASS Customer Service Centre after March 17 and close your account. Our team would love to see you one final time.

Will I still be able to use my MACPASS for parking at Halifax International Airport?

Beginning March 3, you will not be able to ENTER the parking lots using MACPASS Plus. If you have parked at the lots prior to this date, you will be able to exit using MACPASS Plus and you will be charged for the parking as usual.

Can I continue to use MACPASS at the Cobequid Pass and the Confederation Bridge?

If you are registered with those organizations, your transponder will continue to be active at the Cobequid Pass and the Confederation Bridge.  Please do not remove your sticker transponder to continue to use those facilities. Your MACPASS account can still be closed and the balance on your account refunded.

What should I do with my MACPASS after March 17?

Drivers are advised to remove the sticker from their windshield and throw it in the garbage. If you have a hard-shell, place it in your blue bag recycling as it is considered e-waste.

If you use your sticker or hard-shell for Cobequid Pass or the Bridge to Prince Edward Island do not remove the sticker and continue to use these facilities as you do today.

Please be aware this project is evolving, and this Q&A will be updated as more information becomes available. If your question is not covered in this document, please contact us at bridges@hdbc.ns.ca and we will respond as quickly as possible.