HALIFAX — The beginning of toll-free traffic on the bridges crossing Halifax Harbour commenced on Monday morning. This significant shift comes in the wake of a promise made during the provincial election campaign by the governing Progressive Conservatives, who committed to abolishing the tolls that have been in place since the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge opened 70 years ago.
To facilitate the transition, the MacDonald Bridge was closed over the previous weekend. This allowed crews to initiate the dismantling of the toll booths and concrete barriers, which have long been a part of the commuting experience for local drivers.
On March 3, Fred Tilley, the Minister of Public Works, confirmed that tolls would be removed effective at 5 a.m. on Monday, which is two weeks earlier than initially scheduled. Tilley heralded the removal of tolls as a positive development for commuters, claiming that it will enhance the flow of traffic between Dartmouth and Halifax, making crossings both smoother and more economical for the public.
Under the former toll system, drivers were charged $1.25 for cash payments, while those with a MacPass account and transponder paid a reduced rate of $1 per crossing. The removal of these fees is expected to benefit a considerable number of regular commuters who utilize these routes daily.
Furthermore, Halifax Harbour Bridges, the entity responsible for the operation and maintenance of the two bridges, has confirmed that the approximately 200,000 MacPass account holders will receive refunds within the upcoming weeks. This initiative reflects a clear effort to provide a fair transition for those who have regularly paid tolls over the years.
This report was first published on March 17, 2025, marking a significant moment for the residents of Halifax and Dartmouth as they shift to a toll-free bridge experience, potentially altering their daily commutes and economic considerations related to travel between the two communities.
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A sailboat is seen in front of the Halifax skyline and the Angus L. Macdonald bridge on Sunday, July 31, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
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