3:15 p.m. UPDATE – From the Port Huron Police Department: Port Huron Police are on location at the Blue Water Bridge attempting to get traffic flowing and have shut down the entrance to the Bridge off Pine Grove Avenue. Police ask motorists to please avoid traveling Pine Grove Avenue near the Blue Water Bridge if at all possible
(ST. CLAIR COUNTY) – Commercial and motorists traffic in the area of the Blue Water Bridge is experiencing significant delays Friday as employees of the Canadian Border Services Agency have gone on strike. The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Customs and Immigration Union both served work-to-rule strike notices to the Canadian government earlier this week, according to authorities from Canada. Traffic at the Blue Water Bridge was delayed by nearly two hours Friday afternoon and is reported to be backed up on the U.S. side down I-94 to near the Marysville exit and also backed up for miles on I-69. According to Canadian authorities, the strike activity is taking place at all Canadian airports, land borders, commercial shipping ports, postal facilities and headquarters locations, and could have a dramatic impact on Canada’s supply chain and the government’s plans to reopen the border to U.S. citizens August 9th. Michigan Department of Transportation Bay Region officials say border security is outside of the Blue Water Bridge’s jurisdiction, and MDOT is not able to alleviate traffic delays. However, MDOT is aware of the congestion and has sent out information to the public through social media and message boards. Due to the traffic backup, it will be difficult to access the Port Huron exits if you are planning on heading into town Friday evening.
