International Bridge traffic continues to rebound

Traffic at the International Bridge continues to grow as people drive their way out of the pandemic travel doldrums — but the numbers remain below pre-COVID statistics.

Crossings at Sault Ste. Marie totalled 70,746 for November, pushing year-to-date numbers to 892,612, which represents a 57.3 per cent hike when compared to 2022.

This difference in November crossings from this year to last is 12,176, which represents an increase of 20.8 per cent. However, total crossings for that month remain down 28.7 per cent for year-to-date bridge traffic when compared to pre-pandemic traffic volumes of 2019. 

The International Bridge funds operational costs with toll revenue, including the bridge structure, maintenance facilities, the Bridge Authority toll plaza, and building maintenance.

The bridge has processed 105.4 million bridge crossings since 1962.

The bridge administration's breakdown of November numbers shows there were a total of:

• Full-Fare Passenger Cars: 28,935
• Commuter Fare: 35,855
• Car Pulling Trailers: 703
• Commercial Trucks: 5,253