Happy anniversary, International Bridge

NEWS RELEASE

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

************************* International Bridge to celebrate 45 years by offering commemorative commuter cards

October 10, 2007 - The International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, was officially opened to traffic on October 31, 1962.

In honor of the occasion, the International Bridge Administration (IBA) will be issuing limited edition I.Q. Prox commuter cards featuring historical photos of the 45-year-old span, beginning October 16.

In addition, the administration will give away an all-access tour of the structure, including a walk over the arches, and toll attendants will pass out candy to customers on the anniversary.

"We felt it was important to mark this 45-year anniversary, due to the International Bridge's importance to the United States and Canada, Michigan and Ontario, and our two communities," said IBA General Manager Phil Becker.

From October 16 to 31, commuter customers who purchase an International Bridge I.Q. Prox Card will be eligible to win a tour prize package, which includes a certificate for four adults to tour the bridge and facilities.

Other prizes include refunds of the Prox Card purchase price ($5 U.S./$6.25 Canadian) and International Bridge memorabilia.

The prize winners will be selected on November 1, and will be notified in early November.

The IBA is offering extended hours for commuters wishing to purchase the new I.Q. Prox Card.

Each Thursday in October, Prox Cards are available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., in addition to the regular hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Deposit procedures for the commemorative design card remain the same as with other I.Q. Prox Cards.

Construction on the 1.8-mile span started September 16, 1960, using a design from Steinman, Boynton, Gronquist & London of New York City, N.Y.

The $20-million project was primarily financed through revenue bonds, which were paid in full in September 2000.

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