DCHP-3

fixed link

DCHP-2 (Nov 2016)

Spelling variants:
fixed-link, Fixed Link

Non-Canadianism

This is a word that our editors have determined is not a Canadianism.

n. — Transportation

a permanent transit route supporting road or rail traffic; a bridge, tunnel or combination of the two.

The term fixed link describes a permanent transit route, such as a bridge or a tunnel (see the 1980 quotation), that connects two bodies of land separated by water. The term emerges when it is not decided whether a bridge or tunnel is the best transit solution. The OED-3 defines the term with specific geographical reference to the "means of transit between Great Britain and France" (see OED-3, s.v. "fixed link"), with the earliest attestation from a 1974 British source. The earliest found attestation of the term in Canada is with reference to a projected fixed link between the Vancouver mainland and Vancouver Island (see the 1980 quotation). In addition, it has been used to describe proposed connections to Newfoundland and to Prince Edward Island from the mainland. The Confederation Bridge (see ITP Nelson, s.v. "fixed link") that connects New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island (see the 1995 and 2002 quotations) was referred to as the fixed link until its opening in 1997, when it was named the Confederation Bridge. It spans 13 kilometres over the Northumberland Strait (see Canadian Encyclopedia, s.v. "PEI's Fixed Link").
Neither does the term originate in Canada, nor is it of any considerable frequency (see Chart 1) or cultural salience.
See also COD-2, s.v. "fixed link", which is marked "Cdn. & Brit.".
First used in connection with discussion around a Channel fixed link between France and Britain, the term has acquired an international dimension (see Chart 1). The earliest quotations are from 1961, from UK and US sources (compare OED-3. s.v. "fixed, adj.", fixed link, with attestations from 1974) (15 Jul. 2016).

Quotations

1963
The basic argument for the tunnel is that a fixed link with the Continent will allow British exporters to compete in Europe with Continental costs and speed up delivery.
1980
In the speech, the Government also promised studies into the province's housing shortage, the worst in Canada, and indicated it will continue to look at the feasibility of a fixed link such as a bridge or tunnel between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
1995
Three finalists in the category of "outstanding leadership in Alberta technology'' include U of C civil engineer Walter Dilger, lead design engineer in such projects as the Cambie bridge in Vancouver and the Fixed Link bridge being built to Prince Edward Island.
1995
Some workers on the massive fixed-link bridge project have been getting rowdy after work and town police chief Jamie Fox doesn't like it.
2002
A new park that will be a haven for more than 170 migratory bird species officially opened yesterday along the coast of New Brunswick near the fixed link to P.E.I. Nestled on 675 hectares, the Cape Jouriman Nature Centre has also been designated as New Brunswick's leading attraction by Attractions Canada this year.
2008
The Economist magazine ridiculed the idea of a Newfoundland fixed link in 2003 in an article entitled Now let's dig an expensive hole.
2008
The current ferry service crosses from Newfoundland's south coast to Cape Breton, while a proposed fixed link would straddle the Strait of Belle Isle in the province's north, joining it to Newfoundland and allowing traffic to drive onward to Quebec.
2014
"When we finally get a real price on a bridge from a feasibility study and a business plan, we'll be in a position to say, 'This is the choice, instead of that you have certainty and the improved service capability of a fixed link.'" The price hike reinforces how Gabriolans are "hostages to the ferry system," said Gabriola Ratepayers Association president Erik Anderson.

References

Images

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 26 May 2014

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 26 May 2014