Canada’s Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) has completed required maintenance on the westbound Blue Water Bridge span ahead of schedule and expects to shift traffic by next Tuesday, Oct. 3, making both spans fully operational.
Construction began on July 5, with westbound traffic shifting to the eastbound bridge span. Since then, traffic has been maintained using only the eastbound span, with one lane for westbound travel and two lanes for eastbound. The arrangements resulted in reduced capacity and longer wait times for bridge users.
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.
There will be additional work to be completed on the eastbound span ahead of and following the October traffic shift. On Saturday, September 30, MDOT staff will remove temporary curb barriers and some taper pavement markings, putting traffic cones in their place until the October 3rd shift. From next Tuesday to Saturday (October 3-7), lane closures will be required as crews complete inspections and conduit installation.
Crews expect to complete final touches, like pavement markings, on the eastbound span that weekend, either October 7 or 8, weather permitting. By Monday, October 9, MDOT expects to remove any width requirements for vehicles on the eastbound span.
As bridge operations return to normal, 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.
