Canso Causeway Quick Facts

The word Canso comes from the Mi'Kmaq word "Kamsok", which means opposite the lofty cliffs.

Significant Dates

October 9, 1951 - Project Announced

May 1952 - The first contract for construction of the causeway was awarded

September 16, 1952 - Rock fill started.

December 10, 1954 - Cape Breton was permanently connected to the Mainland

December 31, 1954 - Rock fill completed.

April 18, 1955 - First train crosses the Causeway.

May 20, 1955 - First vehicular traffic crosses the Causeway.

August 13, 1955 - Official Opening of Causeway.

September 9, 1955 - First commercial vessel through the Canal.

Interesting Facts

• The length of the Causeway across water is 4500 feet.

• The surface width of the Causeway is 80 feet.

• The depth of the Causeway at its deepest point is 217 feet.

• The length of the Causeway Swing Bridge is 308 feet.

• The first means of transportation between the mainland and Cape Breton was a steam powered ferry and train barge called the S.S. Mulgrave.

• An additional ferry was purchased in 1901, the 'Scotia I', followed by the 'Scotia II' in 1915.

• The total cost of the causeway was estimated at $22,000,000.

• The rock used to build the causeway was blasted from quarries at Cape Porcupine.

• Some 10,092,000 tons of rock were used to close the Strait of Canso.

• Approximately 125,000 tons of rock came crashing to the ground with each blast.

• The causeway is 860 feet wide at the ocean floor (8 times the width of the crest).

• The causeway is shaped like an "S".

• The Canso Canal measures 1,870 feet long by 80 feet wide.

• Approximately 98,000 cubic yards of concrete was used to build the canal.

• The swing bridge measures 308 feet long.

• The causeway is lit by 57 light posts.

• The Canso Strait has been ice-free since the causeway was built.