100 Prince Edward Island.-bound motorists stranded overnight in New Brunswick

Red Cross set up emergency shelter after Confederation Bridge was closed due to white-out conditions

CBC News Posted: Mar 23, 2015 11:51 AM AT Last Updated: Mar 23, 2015 11:51 AM AT

 

About 100 P.E.I.-bound motorists, who were stranded on the New Brunswick side of the Confederation Bridge overnight, are expected to continue their travels today.

 

The bridge linking the two provinces reopened at about 3 a.m. after being closed Sunday shortly before 2 p.m., due to high winds and white-out conditions.

Canadian Red Cross staff and volunteers set up an emergency shelter for the stranded motorists at the East Botsford Recreation Centre, located on Trenholm Road off Highway 955, about two-and-a-half kilometres west of the bridge.

"Authorities notified travellers who were parked in cars along the highway and recommended that for their safety and comfort, they relocate to the shelter," Dan Bedell, communications director for the Red Cross, Atlantic region, said in a statement.

"Most opted to do so," he said.

Volunteers and staff from Moncton and Shediac brought in cots, blankets, and other emergency supplies for the shelter, said Bedell.

They also made arrangements to provide breakfast for the motorists, he said.

The Confederation Bridge has been closed more often this year compared to other winters, according to Keith Sigsworth, the toll and traffic supervisor.

Prior to Sunday's closure, the bridge had been shut down for a total of 78 hours since the start of January, Sigsworth said.

Most of the closures have been due to visibility, weather conditions or roads being blocked, he said.