International Bridge Administration

International Bridge board hears project updates

Fast facts:

  • The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board of directors held its quarterly meeting Thursday.
  • The board received updates on ongoing and planned bridge maintenance projects.
  • The bridge’s Canadian arch will be painted using an alternate one-coat technique. Work began May 1 and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.

May 19, 2017 — Meeting Thursday, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board, the bi-national body that supervises operations of the International Bridge, heard updates on several ongoing and planned projects.

The board reviewed progress by the International Bridge Administration (IBA) to replace bridge components and complete painting projects in 2017. Two contracted projects are also underway in 2017.

The Canadian arch painting project was rescheduled to 2017 after higher-than-expected bids in 2016. The arch will be painted using an alternate one-coat technique.

“I’m very pleased to report we signed a contract with Glavin Coating and Refinishing of Zurich, Ontario, for approximately $3.4 million in Canadian dollars,” said Bridge Engineer Karl Hansen. “Glavin mobilized to the work site on May 1 and has begun to erect scaffolding on the bridge.” (more…)

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International Bridge board welcomes new member

Fast facts:
  • The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board of directors welcomed new Canadian member André Girard at its meeting today.
  • The board consists of eight members, four Michigan members appointed by Gov. Snyder and four Canadian members.
  • With Girard‘s appointment, all positions on the board are filled.

May 18, 2017 — At today’s Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board meeting, the bi-national body that supervises operations of the International Bridge welcomed a new member, André Girard.

Girard was appointed to the board on May 3 by the Federal Bridge Corp. Ltd. (FBCL), the governmental owner of the Canadian bridge assets, for a three-year term. The SSMBA board consists of eight members, four Michigan members appointed by Gov. Snyder and four Canadian members appointed by the FBCL, located in Ottawa, Ontario.
“As chair, I am pleased to welcome André to the Board of the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority,” said SSMBA Chairwoman Micheline Dubé. “I believe that his diverse experience will further enhance the excellent working relationship we have developed with MDOT over the years.”

(more…)

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Canadian toll adjustments at International Bridge based on currency exchange rates

Fast facts:
– The International Bridge Authority (IBA) in Sault Ste. Marie is adjusting Canadian fares at the bridge.
– Starting April 1, the passenger vehicle rate for Canadian currency will change from $4.50 to $4.60.
– Prox accounts save local commuters money.

March 29, 2017 — International Bridge customers paying Canadian currency will see the toll rate adjusted due to the current value of the Canadian dollar. The changes, effective Saturday, April 1, are a result of the mandated exchange review conducted by bridge officials twice each year. The U.S. fare will remain unchanged at $3.50. (more…)

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International Bridge toll plaza project wins award

Fast facts:

– The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge 2015 toll plaza reconstruction project was recently honored with a Merit Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC).
– The major upgrade to the U.S.-Canada border crossing involved constructing a new administration building and seven toll lanes to replace the original 53-year-old building and five toll lanes.
– The ACEC Merit Award recognizes projects

based upon application of new or existing techniques; social, economic, and sustainable design considerations; complexity; and other factors.

March 14, 2017 — The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge toll plaza reconstruction project was recently honored with a Merit Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan. The ACEC Merit Award recognizes worthy projects based upon application of new or existing techniques; future value to engineering and surveying professions; social, economic, and sustainable design considerations; exceeding client needs; and project complexity. The award was announced at the organization’s annual gala March 11 in Detroit. (more…)

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