Delays end at Confederation Bridge after Thanksgiving exodus, bad weather converge

Traffic on the Confederation Bridge is once again moving smoothly after a rocky Thanksgivingafternoon of long delays.

Bridge officials askedtravellers to be "please be patient," asdriverstrying to leave P.E.I. via the bridge to New Brunswick took to social media to vent their frustration at long lineups.

• High winds limit traffic on Confederation Bridge

• Cancellations hit Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Newfoundland ferries

Some travellers reported sitting in lineups on the highway in Borden-Carleton and beyond for more than twohours, as traffic was at times backed up to the Y intersection in Albany several kilometres from the bridge tolls.

"It has been a long afternoon," admitted bridge general manager Michel LeChasseur,confirmingthe bridge had only two toll booths openas automatic toll booths experienced mechanical problems.

"When it's at the end of a weekend like that 12 [noon] to 3 [p.m.] is usually the heavy time of traffic," LeChasseur explained.

Now, there's more traffic coming on to P.E.I. than leaving, he added.

"It's the end of the holidays and people are trying to get back home," Cst. Frank Stevenson from the East Prince RCMP told CBC News, pointing out the ferry to Nova Scotia is also closed until further notice, putting more pressure on the bridge.

Restrictions for high-sided vehicles now in place are likely to remain in effect much of Mondaynight as high winds are expected to continue, even though the heavy rain will likely taper off, LeChasseur said.

LeChasseur admits the bridge could have done a better job communicating the delay. It was several hours after the delay began that bridge officials finally tweeted a heads-up and anexplanation.

The bridge website, app and email service will tell travellers that there are restrictions due to weather, but does not outline delays.

Officials will look at more frequent tweeting in the future, LeChasseur said.

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