International Bridge officials celebrate toll plaza project completion with ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony
October 21, 2015 — Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board members were joined by bridge staff, contractor representatives and local dignitaries today to celebrate the completion of the 16-month-long, $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.
Nearly 100 invitees gathered at the new plaza for the festivities, which opened with the raising of the U.S. and Canadian flags to the accompaniment of local bagpiper Robert Craig. A rousing rendition of both countries’ national anthems by the binational Sweet Adelines choir from the sister cities of Sault Ste. Marie followed. The event continued with a Native American drum song, comments from dignitaries, unveiling of a plaza dedication plaque, and project tours.
for the new $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. (MDOT photo)
SSMBA Chairwoman Helen Gillespie welcomed attendees, noting the project was another outstanding example of the binational partnership in place at the crossing.
“This project is a culmination of seven years of effort in which engineers, architects, contractors, and suppliers from Michigan and Ontario worked together to provide a facility that will improve bridge customer safety and service,” Gillespie said.
Rick Talvitie, the local Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd. (FBCL) board member, provided a Canadian perspective, congratulating the project team for an architecturally stunning, functional, safe, and efficient new administration building and plaza. (more…)