Crossing the bridges

Halifax Harbour Bridges’ goal is to ensure that your journey across the Macdonald and MacKay bridges is as safe, smooth, and as stress-free as possible.

Bridge Cam

Safety Tips

The two bridges are among the safest and best maintained infrastructures in Nova Scotia. When a collision, even a minor one, takes place on one of the bridges, the impact can be major, causing traffic delays and congestion. The vast majority of collisions are preventable and most often caused by driver distraction or speeding.

The HHB bridge patrol officers are special constables and with that have the authority to issue tickets for speeding, texting while driving and other infractions.

Speed Limits

Macdonald Bridge: 50km/h
MacKay Bridge: 70km/h

Safety Measures Include

Wind detectors
Mobile speed radar
Bridge security
Ice detection sensors
Cameras
Early warning crash bars at the MacKay toll plaza
12 emergency telephones on the Macdonald Bridge

Rates

HHB is responsible for the maintenance of both the Macdonald and MacKay bridges, which is paid for by the collection of toll fees.

The toll you pay to cross the Macdonald or MacKay Bridge is based on the number of axles on your vehicle. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks pay $1 if using a MACPASS and $1.25 if paying with cash. NOTE: The cash lanes accept quarters, $1 coins and $2 coins. The coin baskets will not accept dimes or nickels.

DRIVERS CANNOT PAY WITH CREDIT CARD OR INTERACT TAP AT THE TOLL BOOTHS.

Please click here to see toll rates >

MACPASS

MACPASS is HHB’s electronic tolling system.

MACPASS allows users to pass through the toll lanes of both bridges without stopping. It also gives drivers a discount over using cash, making it the best way to cross the harbour.

Approximately 85 per cent of bridge crossings during the peak travel times of the day are made using MACPASS.

View MACPASS details >

BridgeRestrictions

Macdonald: Other than buses, no vehicles weighing over 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) are permitted on the Macdonald Bridge and must cross the harbour via the MacKay Bridge.

MacKay: There is no bicycle or pedestrian access on the MacKay Bridge.

Find out more >

cyclistsand pedestrians

HHB supports and promotes active transportation. There is a dedicated sidewalk on the south side of the Macdonald Bridge and a dedicated bike lane on the north side the Macdonald Bridge. Both lanes are open 24 hours/ 7 days a week and there is no toll to use them.

Find out more >

Visitor’s Guide

Are you planning a vacation to Halifax? Check out the Visitors Guide to the bridges >