BAY CITY, Mich – A class action lawsuit has been filed against Bay City Bridge Partners, the private operator of Independence Bridge, alleging that the company began collecting tolls before completing required repairs. The lawsuit contends that this action violates the contractual agreement between the company and the City of Bay City and places an undue financial burden on local residents who rely on the bridge for daily travel.
Click here to learn more about the lawsuit.
Independence Bridge, a critical transportation route in Bay City, has been under private management since 2022 as part of a long-term lease agreement. The lawsuit claims that under this agreement, toll collection was not supposed to begin until all necessary repairs were completed. However, the company allegedly started charging tolls on January 1, 2025, before fulfilling those obligations.
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The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for all tolls collected before the completion of repairs, arguing that residents and businesses have been unfairly charged. It also raises concerns about the long-term impact of privatizing public infrastructure and the accountability of private companies managing essential city assets.
The case comes amid growing frustration from Bay City residents over rising toll rates and changes to the pricing structure for bridge passes. Local officials and community members have voiced concerns about the financial strain on commuters and the broader economic impact on businesses that depend on the bridge for transportation and commerce.
The lawsuit is currently pending in court, and its outcome could have significant implications for both the tolling system and the broader debate over privatized infrastructure management.
