November 6, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), which is responsible for overseeing the operation of the U.S. side of the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, has proposed a toll rate increase, which would go into effect Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010.
The proposed toll rates are required to meet the long-term financial needs of the bridge based on forecasted traffic and anticipated future expenditures.
Currently the Blue Water Bridge toll is the lowest passenger bridge crossing ($1.50) and the second-lowest commercial fare ($1.75) on the U.S./Ontario, Canada border. The proposed increases would bring the U.S. toll into alignment with those charged by the Blue Water Bridge Canada, yet still remain within the regional average for bridges on the U.S./Ontario, Canada border.
Based on the traffic patterns over the last three years, MDOT estimates increasing the tolls to $3.00 (passenger) and $3.25 (commercial, per axle) will raise an additional $8 to $10 million annually. These funds will be used to preserve the existing bridge assets and improve traffic operations on the Blue Water Bridge, the plaza, and the approaching roadways. The Blue Water Bridge has many upcoming preservation and long-term maintenance needs, including bridge painting and redecking both spans of the bridge. Some costs associated with the upcoming bridge plaza project will be covered by the proposed increased revenue as well.
The price of commuter tokens will remain the same. Twenty tokens can be purchased in Canada for $40 and used on either side of the bridge.
"MDOT is sensitive to local residents' concerns. In order to minimize the impact on local commuters, we will keep the commuter token price the same," said Michael Szuch, Blue Water Bridge manager. "Our goal is to remain one of the most reasonably priced crossings on the U.S./Canada border and to be in alignment with the Blue Water Bridge Canada."
Public hearings to be held in early December will allow interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on the toll proposals. The hearings are scheduled for 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the MDOT Lansing Transportation Service Center, 3101 Technology Blvd., Lansing; Wednesday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. - noon, at the Travel Information Centre, 1455 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward, Ont.; and Wednesday, Dec. 2, 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the Port Huron Municipal Building, 100 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron.
In addition, written statements, faxes, and e-mails in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the public hearing may be submitted to: Robert H. Parsons, public involvement and hearings officer, Bureau of Transportation Planning, MDOT, P.O. Box 30050, Lansing, MI 48909, e-mail at parsonsb@michigan.gov, or fax 517-373-9255. All written comments should be postmarked on or before Dec. 16, 2009.
Additional information on the proposal is available on the Blue Water Bridge Web site at www.michigan.gov/bluewaterbridge and at the Blue Water Bridge Administration Office, third floor, 1410 Elmwood St., Port Huron.
MDOT says: Remember - in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!
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