Provided by the  Ambassador Bridge Enhancement ProjectProvided by the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project
Windsor

Ambassador Bridge Gets Canadian Permit For Replacement Bridge

The Detroit International Bridge Company has been issued a permit from Transport Canada to build a replacement next to the Ambassador Bridge, subject to conditions.

"People who have had doubts of whether we would ever be able to get a permit from Canada to build a bridge now can reconsider and get behind us as we move forward. I think this is really turning of a page for us with a lot of community folks and the city," says company President Dan Stamper.

Stamper says they plan to start demolition of the houses they own in West Windsor as soon as possible.

"We've been holding up doing some cleaning of the property in Windsor because Windsor objected to it until we got the permit so we've got a lot of clearing of properties and relocation of utilities," says Stamper.

According to a release from Transport Canada, the Detroit International Bridge Company must "ensure the efficiency, safety and security of the crossing and mitigate the impacts of the project on the local community. The conditions include the dismantling of the existing bridge when the replacement bridge is open, improving local infrastructure, creating new public green spaces, and protecting the environment and considering Indigenous interests."

Stamper says he is hoping to have a better relationship with the community.

"We had committed through the environmental process to create a community outreach during construction and we're going to do that," says Stamper.

The new bridge will be six lanes, three in each direction with dedicated nexus and fast lanes.

Stamper estimates it will take three years to construct the new bridge. He says construction will start as soon as possible.

Planning and construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will not be affected according to the release from Transport Canada.

"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring the continued flow of trade and travellers between Windsor and Detroit, one of the most important Canada-United States border crossings. The construction of the replacement Ambassador Bridge, together with the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, will ensure that Canadians continue to benefit from the efficient movement of people and goods at this crossing while providing infrastructure improvements for the local community," says Minister of Transport Marc Garneau.

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