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FBCL completes westbound Blue Water Bridge construction ahead of schedule, traffic shifts expected Oct. 3

Fast facts:

  • The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) has completed construction on the westbound Blue Water Bridge span
         ahead of schedule.
  • Crews expect to shift all traffic to its designated spans by Oct. 3.
  • Remaining work items will continue through Oct. 8 with limited impacts on traffic.

PORT HURON, Mich. ­- The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) has completed required maintenance on the westbound Blue Water Bridge (BWB) span ahead of schedule and expects to shift traffic by Tuesday, Oct. 3, making both spans fully operational.

The FBCL started construction on July 5, shifting westbound traffic to the eastbound bridge span. Since early July, traffic has been maintained using only the eastbound span, with one lane designated for westbound travel and the other two lanes for eastbound travel. The reduced capacity resulted in longer wait times for bridge users, and both FBCL and MDOT bridge staff maintain their gratitude for all customers' patience during this necessary project.

To reduce further impact on bridge users, MDOT was able to complete work on portions of the westbound span under their jurisdiction while FBCL’s closure was in place. Work included pavement sealing to prevent moisture intrusion, bridge washing, and repairs to areas of the bridge curb and gutter.

Crews will have additional items to complete on the eastbound BWB span ahead of and following this traffic shift. On Saturday, Sept. 30, MDOT BWB maintenance staff will remove temporary curb barrier and some taper pavement markings, placing traffic cones in their place until Oct. 3.

From Oct. 3 to 7, crews will require lane closures to complete an inspection and install conduit. Crews expect to complete final pavement markings on the eastbound span Oct. 7-8, weather permitting. MDOT expects to remove any width requirements for vehicles accessing the eastbound span of BWB by Oct. 9.

“The work completed by FBCL has ensured our bridge operations will continue seamlessly,” said BWB Bridge Director Amy Winn-VanHoeck. “We couldn’t ask for a better working relationship and look forward to continuing to partner with FBCL on future bridge improvements.”

 As bridge operations return to normal, BWB staff remind customers they are currently enrolling commercial and commuter customers in its EDGE Pass program. The program provides commuter customers with a discounted toll rate for non-commercial vehicles with no more than two axles. The EDGE Pass also offers commuter customers a dedicated toll lane. Both commercial and commuter account holders have 24-hour access to manage accounts online through a secure web portal. Questions regarding the EDGE Pass can be sent to MDOT-BWB-CustomerCare@Michigan.gov. Customers can apply by visiting www.BlueWaterBridge.us/.

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