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International Bridge traffic up

Numbers for one-way traffic volume in 2017 were up from 2016 figures.
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The International Bridge connects the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, in Michigan and Ontario.

One-way traffic crossings at the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie were up 9.5 per cent in December 2017, compared to the same period the previous year.

In a Jan. 11 news release, the International Bridge Administration, which oversees bridge operations, said one-way traffic crossings totalled 111,997 in December, 2017, as compared to 9,729 crossings in December 2016.

Commuter fare made up the largest percentage of crossings at 55.5 per cent. It increased by 9.6 per cent in 2017. Full-fare passenger cars made up the next largest portion at 37.5 per cent. It was up by 11.5 per cent from 2016.

But commercial traffic, which comprised 5.6 per cent of the total, was down at -0.8 per cent from 2016 numbers.

The remaining portion was car-pulling trailers, which comprised 1.4 per cent of the total. It was up 0.3 per cent from 2016 numbers.

The International Bridge self-funds operations with toll revenue. Operations include the bridge structure, the Bridge Authority plaza, all maintenance facilities, and all ongoing building support costs and maintenance for the Canada Border Services Agency facility.