Bridge

Falcons hatch at International Bridge

Falcons hatch at International Bridge

Fast Facts:

  • A pair of peregrine falcons has successfully nested on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, where the birds have been returning for years.
  • Four chicks have hatched this year and have been banded by DNR biologists.
  • The peregrine falcon is listed as an endangered species in Michigan.

Karl Hansen, bridge engineer for the International Bridge Administration (IBA), reported that pair of peregrine falcons have successfully nested atop the bridge between the U.S. and Canada this spring, hatching four chicks.

Four peregrine falcon eggs shown at the nest box on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge this spring. (IBA photo)
Four peregrine falcon eggs shown at the nest box on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge this spring. (IBA photo)

June 18, 2015 — A pair of regular visitors to the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge have made the trip again this year – and they’re staying to raise their family.

IBA General Manager Phil Becker said the bridge’s steeplejacks closely watch for the falcons to return each year.

“As time allows, they monitor the nest without disturbing the birds,” Becker said. “Our staff really looks forward to the return of the birds and waits with great anticipation for the occasional reports coming in from our steeplejacks on the growth of the chicks.”

The reports this year have been excellent.

The four peregrine falcon chicks – three female and one male – successfully hatched. (IBA photo)
The four peregrine falcon chicks – three female and one male –
successfully hatched. (IBA photo)

All four young birds – three females and one male – were successfully banded Tuesday by biologists from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). According to DNR wildlife biologist Kristie Sitar, color-coded bands attached to the legs of young birds allow scientists to track the movements, reproductive behavior and population growth of the falcons. (more…)

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International Bridge to Test Fire Equipment

vlcsnap-2015-06-03-11h32m03s103June 2, 2015 — Motorists crossing the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge may see fire department equipment and staff on the bridge for equipment tests later this week.

vlcsnap-2015-06-05-09h30m06s114Fire equipment and personnel from the sister cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, are tentatively scheduled to be on the bridge deck Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4. They will be working with International Bridge staff to test a water piping system designed to respond to a bridge fire. (more…)

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International Bridge Ready for Underwater Pier Inspection

April 20, 2015 — The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge will get a regular checkup when underwater bridge pier inspection starts next week.

The work involves inspecting the International Bridge’s piers below the water line in the St. Mary’s River. The inspection will be performed by qualified divers and engineers using scuba gear and digital recording devices to examine and record the condition of the piers in areas not visible above the water line.

The inspection – expected to cost $51,000 – is mandated by the Federal National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and must be performed every five years. (more…)

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International Bridge Administration mourns the passing of James McIntyre

February 12, 2015 – Flags will be flown at half-staff at the International Bridge in honor of Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) Chairman James McIntyre, who died Wednesday, Feb. 11, as the result of an accident.

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Jim McIntyre speaks at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge dedication dinner on May 24, 1963.

Phil Becker, general manager of the International Bridge Administration (IBA), said the thoughts and prayers of SSMBA board members past and present, bridge staff, representatives from the Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd., and the Michigan Department of Transportation are with McIntyre’s family and friends.

“Our sadness is difficult to express as we consider the loss of our friend and colleague Jim McIntyre,” Becker said. “Jim’s passion for the bridge has had a profound impact on the bridge and the many people involved with it over its 52 years of existence. Our respect for Jim’s integrity — as expressed many times in his firm but fair approach to bridge business — is beyond measure.”

(more…)

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