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Bridges
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What is the name of the bridge at Sault Ste. Marie? When was it built and when did it open to traffic? Who paid for the bridge, the US or Canada? Why is the bridge so important?
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Answer:
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The name of the bridge is the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. Most often we shorten it and just call it the International Bridge. Construction began September 16, 1960. The bridge opened to traffic October 31, 1962. Building the International Bridge was a joint effort between the two countries. Federal funds were able to be used because it was tied into the federal freeway system. The International Bridge Authority, a guiding body, sought bonding to finance the remaining 10% (federal funds paid 90% of the cost.) Series B bonds amounting to $7,850,000 were purchased by the Province of Ontario to facilitate financing. $8,400,000 in Series A bonds were sold on the US bond market. The International Bridge plays a vital role in the well being of the twin Soos, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, a city of 85,000, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, population 16,000. It serves an essential transportation link to the steel, paper and forest industries, to the tourism-reliant businesses and to the general public for work or shopping purposes.
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