Photos courtesy Blue Water Bridge Canada

Connecting Highway 402 in Ontario with the I-94 in Michigan, the Blue Water Bridge is a key traffic and economic link between Canada and the United States.

The federal government has announced an additional $10.9 million to accelerate the upgrade of the Canadian half of the second busiest commercial border crossing. Spanning the St. Clair River to connect Point Edward, Ont., with Port Huron, Mich., the Blue Water Bridge is already benefiting from a $110-million plaza improvement plan. Blue Water Bridge Canada (BWBC) will match the government's contribution for an added $27 million in spending on construction. The upgrade includes:
• additional lanes;
• new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspection booths;
• a facility for Customs administration offices and brokers;
• a truck return road to the United States;
• a new, large secondary parking space; and
• extra lighting and signage.

"The projects that will be undertaken will ensure this important trade route is safe and efficient for our customers," Stan Korosec, vice-president of operations, told Construction Canada Online. "The widening of our plaza, new dynamic message signs, electrical and communication infrastructure upgrades, and new Customs Inspection booths are some of the projects that will be completed as a result of this funding."

The Blue Water Bridge spans the St. Clair River.