Blue Water Bridge to begin upgrades to tolling software for eastbound customers
The Michigan Department of Transportation Blue Water Bridge is urging bridge users to be prepared for a freeze period on new deposits to their accounts starting Thursday while the bridge updates its tolling software for eastbound customers.
The upgrades will take place Saturday. Over time the bridge will discontinue the current cards and transition to 6C RFID windshield tags that are automatically read by the bridge tolling system when drivers pull into a lane. More information about the availability of the tags will be released in the future, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The department said current cards will continue to work, although they will eventually be phased out. Customers will be notified when this happens.
All current account information and balances will also automatically transfer to the new system. Customers will need to re-enter payment information in the new system if automatic payments are currently set up. Customers can log in using their previous account number; however, they will be prompted to create a new username and password, the department said.
Creation of new accounts is currently frozen, the department said Wednesday. No deposits to existing accounts can be made beginning 10 p.m. Thursday.
Existing customers will need to ensure they have enough funds on their accounts to cover any crossings between Thursday and Saturday. The freeze will be lifted when the new system goes live.
Bridge customers will continue to use bluewaterbridge.us, but there will be new access instructions and a new web portal to help customers manage their account more effectively. Customers will be able to review transactions, make one-time payments or set up automatic payments, request new or replacement tags, cancel tags and generate statements.
Account holders with the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) can also expect to receive more information in the coming weeks.
Questions regarding the new system can be directed to (810) 984-3131 option one, or e-mail MDOT-BWB-CustomerCare@Michigan.gov.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Blue Water Bridge to begin upgrades to tolling software
