Cost Set to Increase Twice on Toll Bridge Leaving Michigan

For many travelers leaving the state of Michigan is a simple process of crossing into Ohio, Indiana or Wisconsin along surface highways - it's done every moment of every day without a second thought.

But there are a few instances when leaving Michigan is part of the adventure itself, that's the state's toll crossings into Canada. At Sault Ste. Marie, Port Huron and Detroit there are toll crossings when leaving Michigan. At one of them the toll is increasing for the first time in nearly 15 years.

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The state's Department of Transportation has announced a fare increase to use the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron with Sarnia, Ontario. In fact, the rates are set to bump twice - in 2024 and 2025.

The toll rates are affecting eastbound travelers (from Michigan to Ontario). On December 1, 2024, the rates increased a dollar from $3 to $4 for standard passenger vehicles. The rates will bump another buck in December 2025 to $5 to cross the span.

READ MORE: Michigan Drivers Get Stern Reminder When Entering Canada

The state says in a media release,

This rate increase follows 14 years of no changes to toll rates for commuter and commercial vehicles, and will help offset increased maintenance and operations costs, in addition to construction improvements for the Blue Water Bridge plaza.

There is a commuter program available that offers frequent crossers a 50 cent discount for each use of the bridge.

It's worth noting that while Michigan accepts tolls for eastbound traffic, westbound drivers entering the US from Ontario are charged a toll by Canada - currently set at $4.50 in US dollars and $6 in Canadian dollars. The US side only lists tolls in US dollars.

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The Blue Water Bridge is a vital link in North American travel infrastructure connecting Ontario's Highway 401 with Interstates 94 and 69. I-69, sometimes nicknamed the NAFTA Freeway currently extends to Evansville, Indiana, and is envisioned to one day be a continuous freeway to the Mexican border at 3 points in Texas.