On June 1, 1927 the Peace Bridge, named to commemorate 100 years of peace between the United States and Canada, was opened to the public. Spanning the Niagara River between Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario, the bridge accommodates pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. The Peace Bridge is owned by the bi-national Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, governed by a 10 member board with an equal number of Canadian and American representatives.

As part of the most recent US $80.5M refurbishment plan, Weinmann Electric Ltd. was enlisted as the contractor and American Bridge for the installation of the new bolted connection traffic control truss gantries. The nine gantries totaled approximately 110 tons of galvanized steel. Galvanizing was selected for the desired corrosion resistance and longevity given the combination of harsh weather conditions and the continual heavy traffic supporting international travel, trade and commerce. 

In an effort to keep bridge traffic moving during installation, the gantries were bolted together and the signage, cameras, and necessary wiring were added off-bridge in preparation for quick on-bridge installation. To limit bridge traffic closures the American Bridge installation team targeted 15 minutes for each overhead gantry installation. The posts were first installed, plumbed and double-checked for fitment. The bridge traffic was then closed and the gantry top was placed on the leg posts. A minimum of 4 initial bolts connecting the gantry top with the post were needed for the gantry to be deemed safe and to resume traffic.

The Peace Bridge is funded by tolls. According to Ron Rienas, the general manager of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, “It’s all self-funded. Not one dollar of tax revenue from Canada or New York State or the US federal government.” Toll revenue helps to provide the flexibility to make decisions regarding large renovation projects, refurbishments and repairs needed for the upkeep of an aging toll bridge.  The Peace Bridge now accommodates three lanes of traffic controlled by the overhead gantries.  For decades, galvanizing will continue to play a major role in extending the life of the Peace Bridge.