Welcome to the International Bridge

The International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie is the only vehicular crossing between Ontario and Michigan within a 300-mile distance. The Bridge connects two cities, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Today, the communities served by the bridge boast populations of about 14,000 for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and 75,000 for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is the largest international trade crossing in Northwestern Ontario. In 2022, approximately $2.4 billion in cross-border trade  was shipped through the bridge crossing. Ontario and Quebec accounted for the largest shares of Canadian exports. Primary destinations for these goods were Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana and Indiana. The rest of the states imported less than 35% of all Sault Ste Marie border trade combined.  More than 99% of all American trade entering Canada in Sault Ste. Marie was destined for Ontario.  The bordering Great Lakes states provided 65% of the goods originating in the U.S. and arriving in Ontario.  Detailed annualized trade data can be found in the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority business plan, under Customer Characteristics, which can be viewed here: https://www.saultbridge.com/publication/

Since the Soo crossing is near the Trans-Canada Highway, it is a convenient route for goods going by truck from Northeastern and Eastern Ontario, as well as Northern Quebec and the Montreal area, to the Upper Great Lakes states. The crossing is connected directly to the major north-south artery I-75 and to Michigan Highway 28, which runs south of Lake Superior into Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The International Bridge also plays a vital role in the well-being of both Soo communities. It serves as an essential transportation link to the steel, paper and forest industries, to tourism-reliant business, and to the general public for work, recreation, and shopping purposes. Historical annual bridge traffic may be viewed here: https://www.saultbridge.com/international-bridge-historical-traffic/.

Mission

The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority and the International Bridge Administration (IBA) have adopted the following mission statement which is based on a vision and core set of values that will guide bridge operations and planning.

“The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority and the International Bridge Administration are committed to the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The International Bridge is an asset which must be maintained and preserved to protect the mobility of local, state and provincial residents and to promote U.S. and Canadian trade, tourism and regional economic development.”

Vision

We will meet our customers’ most important needs by providing safe, pleasurable, affordable, and expedient passage between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Values

Our mission is based on these values:

•  Quality – Achieving our best within our resources.
•  Teamwork – Effectively involving SSMBA members, IBA staff, MDOT, The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, federal, state, provincial, local public officials, and our customers.
•  Customer focus – Knowing our customers and understanding their needs and wants.
•  Responsibility – For the care of the International Bridge and its employees.
•  Integrity – Doing what is right.
•  Pride – In the International Bridge and the importance of overseeing, managing, operating and maintaining it.