Crossings on the International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie plunged in May.
In a June 2 news release, the bridge administration said one-way traffic crossings across the Ontario-Michigan span totalled 65,366 for May. That’s down by 29.8 per cent – 27,788 vehicles – when compared to the same month last year.
The biggest slide was in the category of passenger cars, down 35 per cent from May 2024.
For the year-to-date, as of May 31, bridge traffic numbers stood at 302,472. That's a decrease by 22.1 per cent compared to the first five months of 2024.
Fewer crossings represents a disturbing trend since toll revenue from vehicle traffic helps funds operational costs, including the upkeep of the bridge structure, the toll plaza, the maintenance facilities and buildings.
The 4.5-kilometre-long has processed 106.2 million bridge crossings since opening in 1962.
