2013 marks the Thousand Islands International Bridge Systems 75thAnniversary (1938-2013). The Thousand Islands Bridge system extends from Collins Landing near Alexandria Bay, New York to Ivy Lea near Gananoque, Ontario covering a distance of 8.5 miles and provides direct connection between US Interstate Rt. 81 and CanadaÂ’s Highway 401. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at Collins Landing, New York, on April 30, 1937, with several thousand people on hand for this eventful occasion, both US and Canadian. From ground-breaking ceremonies to completion the entire Thousand Islands Bridge system took only sixteen months to complete, ten weeks ahead of schedule, an amazing accomplishment even by todayÂ’s standards. Total materials: 20,700 cubic yards of concrete, 798 tons of reinforcing steel, 6,550 tons of structural steel and other kinds of steel, 555 tons of cable materials, 30,000 barrels of cement and 575,000 man hours of labor.
Passenger and commercial traffic volumes in the very early years of bridge operations approximated 150,000 vehicle crossings. By 1960 vehicular traffic reached 745,863 and by 1970, 1,274,980 vehicles had crossed the bridge in a single year. Today, annual crossings exceed 2,000,000 vehicles.
More information at www.tibridge.com
Sunday, August 4th at 6:00pm
Wednesday, August 7th at 7:30pm
Sunday, August 18th at 3:30pm
Sunday, August 18th at 10:30pm
Thursday, August 22nd at 5:30pm
Monday, August 26th at 11:30pm
Celebrations commemorating the 75th Anniversary will take place during the month of August beginning with a fireworks display over Boldt Castle on Friday August 2nd followed two weeks later with a public day on Saturday August 17th at Collins Landing at the former Waterfun Village site. The dayÂ’s events will include but will not be limited to: a vintage car show, a historical audio/visual presentation on building the Thousand Islands International Bridge System, entertainment by the 10th Mountain Division Band, the TI Bridge 75th Anniversary video screening, TI Bridge maintenance and paint programs demonstrations, guest speakers, complimentary memorabilia, refreshments and more. The event will take place rain or shine incorporating outsized tents, tables and chairs for attendee comforts. More information at www.tibridge.com
Friday, August 2
Fireworks display at dusk, from the shoreline of Boldt Castle on Heart Island near Alexandria Bay, NY
Saturday, August 17
Open House from 10 am to 4 pm at the Bridge Authority property near the toll plaza at the U.S. mainland
Presentation on the bridgeÂ’s construction hosted by historian Brian Phillips
Entertainment by the 10th Mountain Division Band, Fort Drum, and Brockville Pipes and Drums, Brockville, Ontario
- Vintage Auto Show
- Bridge maintenance equipment including its annual painting apparatuses and more on display
- 75th Anniversary documentary presentation throughout the day, produced by WPBS-TV
- ChildrenÂ’s activities
- Refreshments and ice cream
- Memorabilia including coins and postcards
- Drawing for 1000 Islands vacation packages
Public parking near the Thousand Islands Welcome Center on Collins Landing Road, off Seaway Avenue
