Canada-bound Blue Water Bridge span to close for maintenance May 29

The Canada-bound (east-bound) span of the Blue Water Bridge will be closed for maintenance beginning May 29, through to October, according to the Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd. (FBCL) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). As a result, both directions of traffic will move to the U.S.-bound (west-bound) span. The maintenance work is part of the […]

The Canada-bound (east-bound) span of the Blue Water Bridge will be closed for maintenance beginning May 29, through to October, according to the Federal Bridge Corporation Ltd. (FBCL) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

As a result, both directions of traffic will move to the U.S.-bound (west-bound) span.

The maintenance work is part of the Second Blue Water Bridge (SBWB) Rehabilitation Project, the FBCL said in a news release.

“In keeping with our continuous investment in stewardship, for the first time in over two decades, the SBWB will be closed, while the First Blue Water Bridge (FBWB) will operate with bidirectional traffic to maintain essential operations for commerce and commuters,” officials said.

“The vital rehabilitation work, much of which will occur beneath the bridge, is key to ensuring our high standards of safety and efficiency. By actively managing disruptions, including extending work hours into nights and weekends, we aim to manage the project’s timeline effectively.”

The work is being completed by Facca Incorporated, the contractor for last year’s First Blue Water Bridge (FBWB) Rehabilitation Project, which closed the U.S.-bound span from July 2023 to Oct. 2023. 

The scope of this year’s project includes concrete sidewalk rehabilitation and main span concrete deck repairs, including waterproofing and repaving of the SBWB. 

“These efforts are geared towards reinforcing the bridge’s structure and future-proofing its integrity,” the FBCL stated.

“The commencement of the SBWB rehabilitation project reflects our ongoing efforts to uphold and enhance the infrastructure essential for international travel,” said Natalie Kinloch, CEO of the FBCL. “Strategic planning and execution underline our commitment to maintaining the Blue Water Bridge as a vital link for trade and travel between Canada and the United States.”

Key Highlights of the Rehabilitation Project:

• Bidirectional Traffic: The FBWB will operate bidirectionally, sustaining traffic flow in both directions, while the SBWB undergoes rehabilitation.
• Wide Load Restrictions: To ensure safe navigation through the construction zone, loads will be limited to less than 3m (10 feet) in width.
• Uninterrupted Toll Service: Toll booth operations will continue to provide uninterrupted service.
• Active Communication: We are committing to consistent updates on the rehabilitation’s progress, allowing for better travel planning for our customers.