Blue Water Bridge–Second Span (Blue Water 2)

By 1992 vehicular traffic at this border crossing exceeded capacity. An international task force studied congested traffic flow and concluded that a new bridge adjacent to the existing structure was the most appropriate solution. The Blue Water Bridge Authority and Michigan Department of Transportation aligned the continuous tied arch bridge with approaches of box girders and multiple girder spans south of the earlier bridge. It is 6,109 feet in length and rests on concrete piers. The design satisfied historic preservationists, because it is compatible with the 1938 bridge. The second span of the Blue Water Bridge carries eastbound traffic; the first span carries westbound traffic. Modjeski and Masters designed the river spans and the steel “tub girder” approach spans; Buckland and Taylor of British Columbia designed the concrete approach spans. On completion of the new bridge, the old bridge was rehabilitated. The plaza, reconfigured in 1996, can handle more traffic with greater safety and efficiency and allow customs and immigration officials the space to inspect vehicles.