Discovering Sault Ste. Marie’s International Bridge

Opened in 1962, the three-arch Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge spans the St. Mary’s River, connecting the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

On the American side, the bridge is located at the northern point of Interstate I-75. On the Canadian side, the bridge connects Highway 17 North and East.

The total length of the bridge structure is 2.9 km including American and Canadian approaches, with an 8.5 m roadway between curbs which provides 4.25 m traffic lanes in each direction.

The bridge is the only fixed link crossing between the two countries within 1,000 kilometers and it is an important trade route between key American and Canadian markets via Interstate 75 and the Trans-Canada Highway. On average, about 1,900 million vehicles cross the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge every year.

The structure consists of a steel truss arch bridge with a suspended deck. There are two separate spans, a single arch span on the Canadian side and a double arch span on the U.S. side.

The total length of the bridge is 4.5 km.

Daily operation of both Canadian and U.S.A is carried on by the International Bridge Administration (IBA) under the supervision of the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) from the U.S.

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