New lights come online Wednesday at Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge

Aug. 10, 2015 – The International Bridge arches will have a whole new nighttime look when the switch is thrown Wednesday evening on an energy efficient and colorful lighting upgrade.

International Bridge Authority (IBA) has replaced the white lights on top of the bridge's three curved steel arches with colored light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The electrical circuits feeding the arch lights have been off for the past few weeks while the bulbs have been changed.

"The new lighting system will give an upgrade to the bridge's appearance while creating significant long-term energy and maintenance cost savings for the International Bridge," said IBA General Manager Phil Becker.

The lighting circuit is controlled by at timer, with the new colored arch lights set to come on at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

"We're encouraging everyone in the sister cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario, to come down to the waterfront Wednesday to see the bridge's new look," Becker said.

The red, white, and blue array of lights on the United States arch and the red and white array on the Canadian arch will represent the colors of each nation's flag. The lighting will follow a pattern similar to the temporary colored lighting strands installed as part of the bridge's 50th anniversary celebration in 2012.

For more information on the International Bridge, visit www.saultbridge.com or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/saultbridge.

Local man appointed to bridge authority

January 9, 2015 – Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Thomas Buckingham of Newberry to the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority.

            Established in 2000, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority is a joint organization between the U.S. and Canada. This board seeks to provide safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the international bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

            "International trade is important to reviving Michigan's economy. I am confident Thomas will continue to promote a healthy trade partnership between the U.S. and Canada," Snyder said.

            Buckingham is general manager and secretary for Forest Insurance Center Agency Inc., Mauck Insurance Agency Inc., and Loggers Insurance Agency II LLC. He is a licensed property and casualty and life and health insurance agent, as well as a licensed Wisconsin property and casualty insurance sales agent. Buckingham served in the U.S. Air Force as a security police officer. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Stuart Bradley.

            Buckingham will serve at the pleasure of the governor. His appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.