International Bridge Administration hosting
public hearings on toll increase proposal

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. ­and Ontario – The International Bridge Administration (IBA) is hosting three in-person public hearings to discuss proposed increases to toll rates on the Sault Ste. Marie International bridge between the U.S. and Canada. The public hearings will allow interested parties the opportunity to view potential changes and make formal documented comments.

Who:
Interested residents
Community leaders
IBA staff

When and where:
Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront
208 St. Mary’s River Drive
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 1X3 Tuesday, July 11, 2023 5 p.m.

International Bridge Administration
James McIntyre Conference Room
934 Bridge Plaza
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Wednesday, July 12, 2013 5 p.m.

Van Wagoner Transportation Building
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Lobby Conference Room
425 West Ottawa St.
Lansing, MI 48915
Thursday, July 13, 2023 5 p.m.

Accessibility:
Attendees who require mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov, preferably at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage: https://www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Programs/Title-VI. Requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible.

Background:
The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA), the bridge’s governing body, has proposed semiannual toll increases, averaging 2.9 percent per year for passenger vehicles and 4.7 percent per year for commercial vehicles, over the next decade.

In concert with the toll increases, the SSMBA is proposing changes to increase the discount available to eligible commuters. Commuter program participants making up to four crossings per month would see a 10 percent discount. Commuters making five to eight crossings per month would see a 25 percent discount. Those crossing nine or more times per month would realize a 35 percent discount.

Base fares are set in U.S. dollars and Canadian fares are adjusted every six months depending on the average six-month exchange rate.

The revenue generated by the revised toll rates will help the bridge preserve its critical cross-border connection in the face of higher operational and maintenance costs. At its discretion, the SSMBA board may suspend or delay proposed rate increases.

Detailed information on the proposed toll increases is available at www.saultbridge.com.

Public comment:
The IBA is currently seeking public input on the toll proposal. Comments can be submitted via an online comment form, e-mail, phone, and in person at the public hearings. Provide your comments by July 27, 2023.