The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) continues to work closely with the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) at the Blue Water Bridge (BWB), as the extensive rehabilitation project at the bridge commenced on July 5, 2023, with an expected completion date of October 5, 2023.
The project will see the U.S.-bound span closed during this period, with the Canada-bound span becoming bi-directional. This change will negate access to Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and Nexus lanes until the project is complete.
Although fleets have reported some initial challenges and delays due to passenger vehicles encroaching and impacting access to truck lanes, bridge officials have worked to address these issues by adding variable messaging signage on the US plaza and working with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to install additional static signs to clearly differentiate between truck and car lanes.
BWB officials have reported a significant improvement and decreased delays after implementing these fixes, even with volume continuing to increase in recent days due to the peak summer travel season.
Bridge officials have committed to monitoring and adjusting their operations where needed and welcome feedback on any new or recurring issues. Members with feedback on the project can contact lak.shoan@ontruck.org.