ter of a mile of pavement requires to be done on either side of the bridge. He said he was extremely happy with the co-operation received from Morrison and MacRae in completing the work before the tourist season gets underway. The Guardian, Charlottetown , August 29, 1978. STANLEY BRIDGE AREA RESIDENTS TO MARK OPENING OF NEW BRIDGE STANLEY BRIDGE - The community of Stanley Bridge on RE.I.'s north shore is planning a day of festivities Saturday, Sept. 2, to mark the official opening of its new steel and concrete bridge. Highways minister George Henderson says the new bridge replaces a 20-year-old timber structure that was fast wearing out under the beating of modern-day traffic. The first bridge crossing the Stanley River was built in 1853. At the ceremonies on the day it opened, Premier George Coles and other officials "tested" the bridge by driving over it in carriages. The official opening was followed by social and recreational events. RECALL OPENING Mr. Henderson said the events of 1853 will be recreated Saturday. The lieutenant- governor, premier, chief-justice, leader of the opposition and other dignitaries will mount horse-drawn carriages and proceed across the new bridge at 2 p.m. Their procession will be part of a parade that will take place immediately prior to the opening ceremonies. A ribbon will be cut by Earl Henry and D.J. MacLeod , lifelong residents of Stanley bridge, and Dr. F.W.P. Bolger will trace the history of the area back to its early days of settlement. Recreation activities planned for the afternoon include boat races on the Stanley River. The Women 's Institute will be serving country-style dinners at the Stanley Bridge Hall from 4 to 7 p.m., to be followed by a variety concert in the hall beginning at 8. The committee planning all events is under the chairmanship of A.S. MacEwen. LOTS OF STEEL The new bridge contains 327,000 pounds of steel and 2,100 bags of cement. The steel beams used in its construction are believed to be the longest load ever moved on Prince Edward Island . They were hauled from Halifax on special axles, one of which could be steered to get the girders around sharp corners. The beams were fabricated at Halifax Metals by workmen who are from Alberton, P.E.I. The bridge is 140 feet long and has a roadway 27 feet in width. There is a side¬ walk on the ocean side to accommodate pedestrians. 28