PORT HURON, Ont. — The Michigan Department of Transportation is proposing to nearly double the toll-crossing fee to the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron and Sarnia, Ont.

Based on the traffic patterns over the last three years, MDOT estimates that increasing the commercial truck toll from the current $1.75 per axle to $3.25 and doubling the passenger car fee to $3.00 will raise an additional $8 to $10 million annually.

If approved, the toll rate increase would go into effect Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010.

The MDOT says that right now, the Blue Water Bridge toll is the second-lowest commercial fare ($1.75) on the U.S.-Ontario border.

The government says the funds will be used to preserve the existing bridge assets and improve traffic operations on the Blue Water Bridge, the plaza, and the approaching roadways.

"The Blue Water Bridge has many upcoming preservation and long-term maintenance needs, including bridge painting and redecking both spans of the bridge. Some costs associated with the upcoming bridge plaza project will be covered by the proposed increased revenue as well," the MDOT explained in a press release.

Public hearings on the proposal will be held in early December in both Port Huron and Point Edward, Ont. Click here for details.