It currently operates under a new statute passed in 2005 named the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission Act.

The commission's toll rates are approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

[2] In March 2009, the commission launched its current operating name, Halifax Harbour Bridges, as well as an updated logo.

The road deck was widened from two to three traffic lanes in 1999, which was achieved by relocating the sidewalk as well as a utility duct.

In February 2008, consultants McCormick Rankin Corporation of Halifax released a report on the need for a third harbour crossing, commissioned by the HDBC.

The report shows that cross-harbour traffic is nearing the capacity of the existing two bridges, and concluded that a third harbour crossing would be required by 2016–2026.

MACPASS was introduced in 1998 to speed up toll collection and provide a more convenient payment method for bridge users.

It is believed that if this number can be increased, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced due to reduced idle times at the toll plaza,[8] and help alleviate the immediate need for a third harbour crossing by ensuring the full capacity of the existing bridges is utilized.

As a user-pay operation that is self-funding, the Commission receives no assistance from, nor are its loans guaranteed by any level of government.