As first reported by the Times back on Dec. 19, the price for a bridge card jumped to $12 (U.S.) starting yesterday (Jan. 1).
The cards had been selling for $10 (U.S.), and were valid for 12 round trips on the bridge.
The new price will continue to be for 12 round trips.
Bill Roufs, general manager of the Minnesota, Dakota and Western Railway, which operates the bridge, said the reason for the hike is due to the work that has been done—and projects that need to be done in the next several years—to keep the bridge in good operating condition.
Bridges must be inspected annually by qualified engineering firms, and every five years inspections are made both above and below the waterline.
The most recent bridge inspection is on file with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Several of the projects to be done in 2008 include concrete pier upgrading and the replacement of deck plates.
Tolls will continue to be collected at the booth located on the U.S. side of the bridge.
No toll is required when approaching the bridge on the Canadian side since the one toll is for both ways.
Bridge rates have been increased just one other time since 1985.
Bridge cards continue to be available at Canada Safeway in Fort Frances, as well as at the SuperOne and SuperValu grocery stores and the Holiday gas station in the Falls.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
