Fast facts:

• The International Bridge recently underwent a fracture critical inspection and an annual inspection.
  
• Ongoing maintenance is keeping the bridge in good condition.
  
• The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board of directors heard updates on major contracted projects completed at the bridge this year.
  

November 9, 2017 — The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board of directors, the bi-national body that supervises operations of the International Bridge, heard reports on bridge inspections at the board’s regular meeting today.

The SSMBA board reviewed and officially accepted the results of the annual bridge inspection and fracture critical inspection. A team of bridge engineering experts from the lead firm of Hardesty and Hanover (H&H) of Okemos, Mich., along with their Canadian partner firm WSP Canada Group Limited of Mississauga, Ontario, conducted the two-week-long annual inspections of the bridge this fall and presented their findings at today’s meeting.

“With outstanding ongoing maintenance, the bridge is being kept in good condition,” said H&H structural engineer Richard Wianecki. “The overall condition of the bridge is good and our inspection found no serious issues.” (more…)

Bridge Bus Survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BridgeBus

The City of Sault Ste. Marie, International Bridge Administration (IBA), and Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency are working collaboratively to improve and enhance the services of the International Bridge Bus.

A survey seeking feedback on this public service has been made available. Riders of the bridge bus and interested parties are highly encouraged to complete this survey. (more…)

Fast facts:

• A $3.5 million CDN painting project at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge is finished. 
• The bridge’s Canadian arch was painted this year using an alternate one-coat technique, which was faster and minimized environmental and bridge customer impacts.
• Work began May 1 and is expected to be completed today, nearly three weeks early.

October 13, 2017 — A major painting project on the Canadian arch of the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie is wrapping up today, finishing about three weeks ahead of schedule and on budget.

The International Bridge Administration (IBA) rescheduled the $3.5 million CDN Canadian arch painting project to 2017 after bids came in higher than expected in 2016. The arch was painted using an alternate one-coat technique.

“Glavin Coating and Refinishing of Zurich, Ontario, mobilized to the work site on May 1 and has finished painting,” said Bridge Engineer Karl Hansen. “They plan to complete removing scaffolding on the bridge later today.” (more…)