International Bridge earns award for reconstruction project

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March 15, 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.

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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.

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The award was announced at the organization's annual gala March 11 in Detroit. The 2015 International Bridge Administration (IBA) project involved constructing a new  administration building and seven toll lanes to replace the original 53-year-old building and five  toll lanes.

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"This project represented a major milestone for the IBA," said IBA General Manager Peter Petainen. "The original administration building and toll plaza infrastructure were constructed in 1960 and in great need of replacement. The result was a bi-national project that has exceeded expectations of our bridge customers, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority, the IBA, and facility owners  Federal Bridge Corp. Ltd. and MDOT."

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The team and IBA staff ensured plaza operations continued with minimal disruption through creative construction staging and traffic maintenance. In addition to the toll booths and administration building, the project included the I‐75 freeway terminus, ramps to Easterday Avenue, and a Michigan State Police static weigh scale. As a result of the CMGC process, the schedule was accelerated from 24 to 16 months, and construction costs were reduced from $10.4 million to $8.9 million.

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The operation and maintenance of the International Bridge is totally self-funded, primarily through bridge tolls. It is not subsidized by any state, provincial, or federal government entity. For a complete list of International Bridge tolls, visit the IBA website at www.michigan.gov/IBA.

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