Truckers welcome extra capacity at North America’s busiest border crossing

CTA: The Canadian Trucking Alliance welcomed news the Government of Canada will permit the Detroit International Bridge Company to build a six-lane crossing to eventually replace the current Ambassador Bridge.

Along with the planned Gordie Howe International Bridge set for construction a few kilometers away, the new span to be built next to the original Ambassador will significantly increase commercial truck crossing capacity at North America’s busiest border crossing.

The 87-year-old, four-lane Ambassador will be dismantled once the new bridge has opened.

The Ontario-Michigan gateway sees over 4.2 million trucks cross between the two existing Michigan and Ontario bridges (Ambassador and the Blue Water bridge in Sarnia-Port Huron) carrying $210 billion CDN worth of trade between Canada and the United States.

“With this development, the Canadian trucking industry and supply chains on both sides of the border – which depend on fast, efficient trade – should be welcoming not just one, but two contemporary new bridges capable of supporting international trade demands in a modern economy,” said CTA President Stephen Laskowski. “The additions of these two new modern structures – as well as significant investments recently made at the Blue Water Bridge – bodes well for the future of trade by truck between Canada and or largest trading partner.”

Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau stated 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.