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Bridge crossings down from last year

There's a difference of 6,480 crossings as compared to July, 2016
20170511 Essar Steel Algoma KA 05
A transport truck drives toward the Canadian point of entry on the International Bridge at sunset with Essar Steel Algoma in the background. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE BRIDGE AUTHORITY

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The International Bridge Administration today announced that one-way traffic crossings of the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie totaled 148,352 for the month of July 2017. This figure represents a decrease of 4.2 per cent, a difference of 6,480 crossings as compared to July, 2016.

An analysis of traffic statistics for the month reveals the following:

V ehicle Classification

One-Way Crossings

Change from July 2016

Percent of Total Crossings

Full-Fare Passenger Cars:

71,757

-3.9%

48.4%

Commuter Fare:

60,188

-7.0%

40.6%

Car Pulling Trailers:

9,314

10.9%

6.2%

Commercial Trucks:

7,093

0.4%

4.8%

Totals:

148,352

-4.2%

100.0%

The Canadian arch paint project remains on budget and schedule, and is expected to be completed this fall in a single construction season. Bridge Authority flagging crews are on the bridge all hours of the day to move traffic through the construction zone. Drivers are asked to use caution when driving through the Canadian arch. No bridge maintenance work will be performed on either Canadian or U.S. holidays, so as not to disrupt bridge traffic.

Commercial traffic is steady at 3.3 per cent for the year, and continues to support overall bridge revenue. Commercial traffic is a significant source of bridge revenue, at 40 per cent of the total earned revenue of $3.71 million USD. For a full list of toll rates, please visit www.saultbridge.com. Commercial per axle toll rates are $4.50 USD or $5.85 CDN, while favorable commuter rates are as low as $2.45 USD or $3.22 CDN.

The International Bridge has processed 99.2 million vehicles and is forecast to exceed the major milestone of 100 million bridge crossings in January of 2018.

The International Bridge self-funds operations with toll revenue. Operations include the bridge structure, the Bridge Authority plaza, all maintenance facilities, and all ongoing building support costs and maintenance for the Canada Border Services Agency facility. As for the construction of the Canadian Plaza Redevelopment Project, it is a Canadian capital project which is financed separately by The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), through the Canadian Gateways and Border Crossings Fund.

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