SAINT JOHN, N.B. –Truckers using the Saint John Harbour Bridge will no longer have to reach into their pockets, after the feds downloaded ownership of the bridge to the promise and made them remove the tolls as a condition of the transfer.

The deal also provides funding for refurbishing while forgiving the bridge authority’s outstanding federal debt.

“This is a major step forward for Saint John and for the local and regional economy,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who visited the region recently. “It will strengthen trade and transport corridors within the province in support of the Atlantic Gateway. It will benefit the transportation industry and other regional businesses. And it will help create jobs over the long term.”

“Today’s announcement is evidence of our government’s commitment to build and maintain a modern highway network for our residents,” agreed New Brunswick Premier David Alward. “New Brunswick plays an essential role in the Atlantic Gateway, and by removing the tolls on the Harbour Bridge, we will see a smoother flow of people and goods throughout our region.”

The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) estimates about 1,000 trucks cross the bridge each day. Executive director Jean-Marc Picard told the CBC “We have about 1,000 trucks a day on average going over so you can imagine the revenue generated from the trucking industry for the bridge. Our costs are always going up with maintenance, fuel efficient equipment, so these tolls, when you get a break like that, it’s always a bit of a relief for the trucking industry.”