If you are planning to drive to the United States via Sault Ste. Marie this Saturday morning, you might want to alter your schedule.
The 31st International Bridge Walk will be taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and for the first time ever, the bridge will be completely shut down to accommodate the walkers and bikers.
The popular event is put on by the chambers of commerce on both sides of the border.
“It’s a great opportunity to cross an international border,” said Peter Petainen, International Bridge general manager.
“It's the only time the bridge is opened up to pedestrians annual and it's a great event starting at the north centre in Sault Michigan, walking into Sault Ontario. We get approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people annually."
In order to participate in the walk, organizers said you must have proper ID to enter into the United States. There will be shuttle buses taking people over starting at 7 a.m. Pick up is at the old St. Mary’s paper site.
Another reason for traffic issues on the bridge these days is the ongoing paint project that has some parts of the bridge down to one-lane.
This summer, the slowdowns are on the Canadian side, as lanes are narrowed to allow crews to work at re-painting the Canadian arch.
Bridge staff said the $3.5 million project will help prolong the life of the bridge. Originally, the project was set to last two years, but it will now be done by the end of this fall.
“It's the first time it has been done since bridge was built and it will take a single season to paint,” Petainen said.
Bridge officials said flag crews will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making sure the one lane traffic is safe for everyone crossing.
