International Bridge Travel Restrictions in Effect Midnight March 20

March 20, 2020 – In accordance with orders from the United States and Canadian federal authorities, temporary travel restrictions are being placed on all land ports of entry and ferries between the U.S. and Canada, effective at 11:59 p.m. March 20. These restrictions directly impact the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) in Port Huron and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie.

Border protection agencies from both nations remain committed to supporting safe travel for essential customers and commercial truck traffic. The agencies and bridge administrations will follow all federal guidelines intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will suspend normal operations at U.S.-Canada land ports of entry and only process travelers engaged in essential travel. The trade of legitimate goods will not be interrupted.

According to the CBP, some cases of essential travel include:

– U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.

– Those traveling for medical purposes

– Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions

– Individuals traveling to work in the U.S. (including those working in the farming or agriculture industries who must travel between the U.S. and Canada for work)

– Those traveling for emergency response and public health purposes

– Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (such as truck drivers supporting the movement of cargo between the U.S. and Canada)

– Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel

– Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their spouses or children returning to the U.S.

– Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.

Individuals traveling for tourism purposes like sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events are not considered essential travelers.

Detailed information on restrictions to entry into the U.S. is available from CBP here. Official guidance on restrictions to entry into Canada is still forthcoming and expected to be similar. For more information regarding the essential travel definitions or travel restrictions, contact the CBP or CBSA.

For current and up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus, visit http://www.Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or http://www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Blue Water Bridge and International Bridge Remain Open to Traffic

March 18, 2020 – In accordance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendations designed to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is following all federal guidelines intended to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Currently both the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) in Port Huron and the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie remain open to essential traffic and commercial goods. Significant efforts have been made to ensure the safety of border crossings for both customers and staff. Clarification of “essential traffic” is expected to be forthcoming and will be shared with the public when it becomes available. Check with U.S. and Canadian customs for updated crossing information.

For current and up-to-date information regarding the coronavirus, visit http://www.Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or http://www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus

Prox Card Sales Update

March 17, 2020 — In light of the ongoing concern for the safety of the health of everyone, customers who would like a new prox card account, who need a replacement card, or additional card printed, please call the International Bridge Administration Office at (906)635-5255 extension 0 or (705)942-4345 extension 0. The on-duty supervisor will be able to take the request. Your request will be processed within 72 hours and the card will be mailed to the address that is on the account. You can also visit our website www.saultbridge.com to request cards for existing accounts, or open a new account if you are not an existing card holder.