International Bridge users to see higher crossing fees

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. — The International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie is hiking tolls for all vehicles, including heavy trucks, starting April 1, 2007.

Operators of semi-trucks, buses, non-passenger trucks, and any other vehicle not meeting passenger vehicle or motor home characteristics will be charged $3.00 per axle (U.S.).

Passenger vehicles will be $1.00 per axle or $2.00 per crossing (U.S.) including cars or trucks, sport utility vehicles, vans, and motorcycles.

The International Bridge Administration states that the most significant challenge facing the bridge is “declining traffic and toll revenue in the face of major capital improvement expenditures to keep the aging bridge structurally sound and in good condition.”

In 2005 and 2006 traffic stabilized after a decade of steady decline. Current traffic is approximately one-half of the 1993 peak of nearly 3.6 million annual crossings, however.

Furthermore, engineers estimate that the concrete bridge deck will need to be replaced within the next 15 years at an estimated cost of $75,000,000 (USD). An additional $40,000,000 will be needed to complete other capital improvement projects on the bridge such as bridge painting, U.S. toll plaza upgrade, and Canada Customs upgrades.