Toll Bridge Facts.com

 
http://detnews.com/article/20091111/METRO05/911110411

November 11, 2009

Grosse Ile's free bridge to fully open Friday

THE DETROIT NEWS

Grosse Ile -- After being partially closed since Monday, the free Grosse Ile Bridge will be fully opened again on Friday afternoon.

Wayne County has been closing the bridge from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. every day this week for sidewalk repairs. The bridge will be closed for that same time period today, Thursday and Friday.

The bridge is open for traffic before 8:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m., according to the Wayne County Department of Public Services. During the closures, traffic will be diverted to the Grosse Ile toll bridge north of the free bridge.

The Grosse Ile Bridge Co. will collect the tolls during those days from traffic traveling on and off the island. The toll for automobiles, pickup trucks, SUV, vans and motorcycles is $1.50 each direction for those with a bridge pass, $1.80 for drivers with tokens and a $2 cash fare for others.

GIBC SPECIAL TRAFFIC ADVISORY for November 9 through November 13

Wayne County Bridge closed daily, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for maintenance November 9 through November 13

[Posted November 6]  Wayne County has informed Grosse Ile Township and the GIBC that the Wayne County Bridge will be closed for planned maintenance daily, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 pm., starting on Monday, November 9, through Friday, November 13.

The GIBC will collect the user fee toll fare from traffic traveling on and off the Island -- the normal procedure -- throughout the County Bridge closure period.

Thanks to the majority of Islanders using the GIBC's Bridge Pass, traffic delays have been minimal during the most recent closures of the County Bridge.  The GIBC recommends, however, that motorists always allow extra time for crossing the Toll Bridge during a County Bridge closure period.
 
Please note that the GIBC will not allow oversized loads to cross the Toll Bridge during the County Bridge closure period.  To view a summary of the GIBC's regular load limits and restrictions on the Toll Bridge, please CLICK HERE.

Traffic Flows Smoothly, No Major Delays During First Day of Weekend Closure (January 24-25, 2009) of the Wayne County Bridge

Bridge Pass Customers Breeze Through the Toll Plaza

[Posted January 29, 2009] Despite the fact that Grosse Ile High School hosted a regional cheerleading competition that brought to the Island approximately 50 school buses (which the GIBC did not charge a toll fare) and several hundred passenger vehicles carrying approximately 1,500 spectators from mainland communities, traffic delays were minimal on the first day of the weekend County Bridge closure period.

 

Drivers using the Bridge Pass typically traveled through the Bridge Pass Lane (i.e., outside lane) of the toll plaza at least twice as fast as vehicles in the Attended Lane paying with cash or tokens as shown in this short web video: 

 
Detroit Free Press

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200881120029

November 20, 2008

Grosse Ile free bridge to close this weekend

BY MATT HELMS
FREE PRESS DRIVING COLUMNIST

Another weekend without the Grosse Ile free bridge is on tap.

If the weather cooperates, the bridge will close from 7:30 a.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday so workers can finish installing a catwalk, work that crews were unable to complete the weekend of Nov. 8-9, according to Vanessa Denha-Garmo, press secretary for Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

Denha-Garmo said painting, sandblasting and other related work is planned for the weekend.

Traffic will be detoured to the Gross Ile toll bridge. Information about fares is available at www.grosseilebridge.com.

Contact MATT HELMS at driving@freepress.com.

Traffic Flows Smoothly, No Major Delays During the Wayne County Bridge Two Day Closure Period (November 8-9, 2008)

Longest Wait of the Weekend Caused by U.S. Coast Guard Boat

This was the typical view of traffic in the toll plaza that most drivers experienced on November 8 and 9:

Drivers using the Bridge Pass typically traveled through the toll plaza twice as fast as vehicles in the Attended Lane paying with cash or tokens.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) piloted a boat downstream through the Toll Bridge at about 2:57 p.m. on November 8.  The USCG boat caused a traffic delay for vehicles that ranged between about 6 to 10 minutes (the last vehicle in line during the delay may have waited about 10 minutes).

The Toll Bridge closed for vehicle traffic at about 2:54 p.m. and the USCG boat passed through the Toll Bridge at 2:57 p.m.:

 

Traffic at 2:57 p.m. waiting for the Toll Bridge to reopen after the USCG boat passed through:

 

The Toll Bridge reopened at about 3 p.m. and all the traffic delayed by the USCG boat had crossed the Toll Bridge by about 3:07 p.m.:

GIBC’s Plan for the Reopening of the Wayne County Bridge on December 21, 2007

Updated as of December 20, 2007

*  After the county bridge reopens, the GIBC’s Bridge Pass service will continue to provide the fastest and lowest cost way to travel across the Toll Bridge.  We encourage customers to keep the Bridge Pass in order to continue to save time and money when crossing the Toll Bridge.

*  One-way toll fares for vehicles traveling to the Island from Riverview (i.e., east bound) will start when the county bridge reopens (confirmed for December 21 at noon).

*  Vehicles leaving the Island to travel to Riverview (i.e., west bound) will be given free passage (i.e., no toll collected) during the first full day after the county bridge reopens (toll fares will still be collected for east bound vehicles).  After a full day, the GIBC will start collecting one-way toll fares for vehicles traveling west bound.

For example, when the county bridge reopens on December 21 (at any time), the GIBC will give everyone free passage traveling west bound over the Toll Bridge on December 22.  In this scenario, the GIBC would start collecting west bound toll fares at 12 a.m. on December 23.

*  A customer who wishes to receive a refund of his or her unused Bridge Pass account balance for pre-paid tolls and the Bridge Pass Tag (i.e., transponder) deposit may obtain a “Bridge Pass Refund Form” from the GIBC’s office at 8734 Macomb Street, the toll booth in the toll plaza or the trailer in the toll plaza.  Bridge Pass Refund Forms can also be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

Completed forms, along with the Bridge Pass Tag, may be dropped off at the GIBC’s office at 8734 Macomb Street, the toll booth in the toll plaza or the trailer in the toll plaza.  Customers may also mail the completed form with the Bridge Pass Tag to:

Grosse Ile Bridge Company
P.O. Box 24
Grosse Ile, MI 48138 

A refund check will be mailed to the account holder's address within 15 business days depending on customer demand.

*  No refunds or exchanges will be provided for unused tokens (this policy is stated on all receipts for the purchase of tokens).  The GIBC will, however, continue to accept and sell tokens.

*  Updated information will be provided to the public through the GIBC’s “The Connection” e-newsletter and posted on the GIBC’s web site at www.TollBridgeFacts.com.

Questions and Answers about the Plan's Impact on the Bridge Pass Service

Q:  Do I have to turn in my Bridge Pass when the county bridge reopens?

A:  No.  The GIBC will continue to provide the Bridge Pass service and this will remain the fastest and lowest cost way to travel across the Toll Bridge.

Q:  If I don’t turn in my Bridge Pass, will my unused account balance remain available indefinitely?

A:  Yes.  Your unused account balance will remain in your account until you use it by crossing the Toll Bridge or request a refund at a future time.

Q:  Can I request a refund for my Bridge Pass account be paid in cash or tokens?

A:  No.  All refunds must be paid by check and mailed to the account holder’s address.

Q:  If I close my Bridge Pass account, can I open a new one in the future?

A:  Yes, but you would have to fill out a new application and make a new payment for the pre-paid tolls as well as the deposit for the Bridge Pass Tag.  This process usually takes up to 15 business days, but it can take longer depending on demand.

*** In order to download a PDF version of the GIBC's plan and the questions/answers about the Bridge Pass service, please CLICK HERE.

Wayne County Establishes a Web Site for the County Bridge Renovation Project:  www.waynecounty.com/dps/grosse-ile-bridge-intro.html

The following text is the introduction to the county's web site:

"Welcome to the Department of Public Services' first "project specific" information site.

"This site was constructed to address the overwhelming inquiries the Department of Public Services has received concerning the Grosse Ile Parkway's Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

"Before you dig deep to find out more about our construction project, and your 'new' bridge, let us share the following:

"Wayne County is very concerned about the additional inconvenience to Grosse Ile residents, commuters and businesses.Wayne County's commitment to interested parties is evidenced in re-directing limited funds (federal and county) to supplement the grant dollars received from the Local Bridge Program. Wayne County had to find close to $3 million extra dollars to do this project and this was tough given the fiscal times our area has experienced.  Finally, the contract does contain a penalty clause of several thousand dollars a day if the contractor exceeds the December 15, 2007 deadline."

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For information from the GIBC that may discuss developments with the county's project, sign up for our "The Connection" e-newsletter by CLICKING HERE.

Traffic Report for Monday, May 21 to Friday, May 25, 2007

Traffic Flowed Smoothly During Weekday Rush Hours, Longest Delays Still Caused by Opening the Toll Bridge for Marine Vessels

It's been just over three weeks since the Wayne County Bridge closed and there have not been serious delays for vehicles caused by traffic flow since the first day (May 2).  On the other hand, marine vessels continue to delay traffic by forcing the GIBC to open the Toll Bridge during periods of heavy vehicle flow.  The longest delays caused by marine vessels have been about 15 minutes for east bound vehicles; however, west bound vehicles may have been delayed by up to 25 minutes or more.

On Wednesday, May 23 at approximately 2:30 p.m., a Canadian Coast Guard ship traveled through the Toll Bridge causing a 15 minute delay for east bound vehicles coming on to the Island from Riverview.  West bound vehicles leaving the Island for Riverview were backed-up for a longer period of time despite the fact that the Toll Bridge does not collect toll fares from vehicles leaving the Island.

GIBC Director of Community and Government Relations Greg Karmazin said, "It appears that the traffic light at Jefferson Avenue is delaying vehicle traffic during surges resulting from the opening of the bridge for marine vessels.  During the opening for the Canadian Coast Guard ship at 2:30 p.m. on May 23, the GIBC processed all the east bound traffic that was waiting by about 2:45 p.m. 

"Although west bound traffic was freely flowing through the toll plaza, it was backed up on to the bridge until almost 3 p.m.  This is a perfect example of the significant role that traffic lights play in causing vehicle delays.  The GIBC isn't collecting tolls for west bound vehicles, yet they are still being delayed by the traffic lights.  It appears that the GIBC processes east bound vehicles faster in the toll plaza than the traffic light at Jefferson can direct west bound vehicles from Bridge Rd. on to Jefferson. 

"It seems that vehicles turning left at Jefferson are delaying vehicles that want to turn right because there is only one full west bound lane on Bridge Rd.  We thought this would happen, and that is why the GIBC raised the importance of widening bridge road with Wayne County and Grosse Ile Township officials during a meeting held in October of 2006," said Karmazin.

The GIBC has a plan that has been pending with Wayne County since early April of 2007 to widen Bridge Rd. to create a second west bound lane.  The GIBC has pledged to pay 100% of this proposed project to widen the Wayne County-owned section of Bridge Rd.  This second lane would allow the GIBC to open the outside lane of the toll booth (currently closed) which would primarily be used by drivers who want to turn right at Jefferson. 

Karmazin said, "This second lane would prevent delays and resolve the problem of impatient drivers using the gravel shoulder on Bridge Rd. and cutting through the entrance of the Riverview boat ramp which has potential to cause accidents.  The GIBC also believes that the second lane would reduce the vehicle backups that occasionally block the entrance of the Riverview boat ramp. 

"In addition, the second lane would provide drivers with more room to pull over to the right to get out of the way of ambulances traveling from Grosse Ile to mainland hospitals during periods of heavy traffic flow," said Karmazin.

Traffic Report for Week of Monday, May 14 through Friday, May 18

Still No Major Traffic Delays After May 2, Bridge Pass Use Now at 5,900 Vehicles

There were no major delays experienced during the work week -- even during afternoon rush hours.  Weekday traffic counts for east bound (Riverview to Grosse Ile) traffic are regularly exceeding the number recorded on Wednesday, May 2 without any major delays occurring.

A short traffic delay occurred on Monday, May 14 at 5 p.m. after a long, slow train backed up traffic on Pennsylvania and Sibley roads.   When the train passed, the backed-up traffic traveled to the Toll Bridge from two directions resulting in a maximum 15 minute delay for some vehicles.  The Toll Bridge attendants directed traffic at the toll plaza and the backup dissipated quickly.

There is a total of 5,900 Bridge Passes now in use -- a critical mass of users has now been achieved.  Approximately 40% of all drivers crossing the Toll Bridge now use a Bridge Pass.  About 50% of all drivers crossing the Toll Bridge during afternoon rush hour use a Bridge Pass.

A Model A from the Friday, May 18 classic car show held on Grosse Ile leaves the toll plaza headed home after an enjoyable -- traffic delay free -- day on the Island.  The old cars had no problem getting on and off the Island over the historic Grosse Ile Toll Bridge.

This is a picture of car (possibly a Model T) crossing the Toll Bridge in 1925.  Note that the bridge deck (driving surface) was made of thick wood timbers at that time.  This picture provides a small view of just how much the GIBC has spent to upgrade the Toll Bridge over the years.  The Toll Bridge today is vastly improved from the span opened in 1913.  The job of upgrading and maintaining the bridge in excellent condition never ends -- the user fee toll fare makes this possible. 
 

U.S. Coast Guard Regulations Force GIBC to Open Toll Bridge During Rush Hour and Other Periods of Heavy Vehicle Traffic Flow

Coast Guard's Regulations for the Operation of the Toll Bridge During the County Bridge Closure Period Took Effect on April 18

On April 18, 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented federal regulations that force the Grosse Ile Bridge Company (GIBC) to open the Toll Bridge during the county bridge closure period as follows:

Weekdays:

*  The bridge will not be required to open during ``rush hours'' defined as between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

*  At all other times, the bridge is required to make one opening per hour for recreational vessels (if necessary) from three minutes before until three minutes after the hour.

*  Except during defined "rush hours'', the bridge must open for commercial vessels upon signal.
   
Weekends:

*  The bridge shall open once per hour for recreational vessels (if necessary) from three minutes before until three minutes after the hour.

*  At all times during weekends and holidays, the bridge must open for commercial vessels upon signal.

The GIBC's Opinion of the Coast Guard's Regulations

The GIBC was disappointed that the Coast Guard did not grant us the authority to not open the Toll Bridge to marine vessels at any time during the entire county bridge closure period.  The GIBC believes that opening the Toll Bridge -- especially during rush hour periods -- for marine vessels will cause traffic delays that could pose a threat to public health and safety in certain scenarios.

In fact, two of the longest traffic delays since May 3 have been caused by the GIBC being forced to open the Toll Bridge for marine vessels during rush hour.

Results of the GIBC's Online Poll During April about the Coast Guard's Regulations

73% of Islanders Want Toll Bridge to be Closed to Marine Vessels

Islanders voted in Toll Bridge Fact.com's poll in records numbers -- 645 votes cast -- to express their opinions about the Coast Guard regulations that only authorize the GIBC to keep the Toll Bridge closed for only 6 of the 7 1/2 hour daily rush hour periods.  The poll was conducted by Vizu which is an independent, online polling firm.  Vizu online polls are considered to be representative of public opinion although they are not conducted in scientific manner.

Approximately 73% of Islanders favor the Coast Guard authorizing the GIBC to keep the Toll Bridge closed to marine vessels at all times during the Wayne County Bridge closure period.  Only 27% of Islanders believe the Toll Bridge should be opened for marine vessels during non-rush hour time periods.

GIBC Director of Community and Government Relations Greg Karmazin said, "The GIBC's poll results show that the Coast Guard is out of touch with the difficulties that Island residents, businesses and visitors are facing.  Moreover, traffic delays caused by opening the Toll Bridge for marine vessels also negatively affect Riverview, Trenton and Wyandotte. 

"It is my hope that the results of this poll will encourage public and elected officials representing eastern Downriver communities to consider the serious traffic flow problems that the Coast Guard's regulations are causing.  Traffic delays caused by opening the Toll Bridge for marine vessels could be significantly reduced if the Coast Guard would simply expand the hours during which the GIBC is authorized not to open the Toll Bridge."