DETROIT – Detroit International Bridge Co. owner and billionaire Matty Moroun said he has final approval to build a replacement span for the Ambassador Bridge.
According to Moroun, the proposed $500 million project wouldn't cost a dime for taxpayers. The bridge would consist of six lanes stretching over 2,000 feet long.
"We especially thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada for issuance of the final permit supporting our Company to make this major investment in international infrastructure," Moroun said. "There have been many challenges our company has faced over the years in pursuit of this moment. We are now tasked with the duty to construct a privately funded bridge with the hard work of thousands of engineers, steel workers, construction experts that will be employed to deliver this once in a lifetime project.
"We know there are those who never thought our permit would be approved. Hopefully, now we can all come together and take pride in watching a new bridge rise across the shared border between our great nations."
The bridge would bring traffic congestion between borders down significantly.
In a statement, the Canadian government said the approval is subject to conditions.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Moroun still needs United States approvals before construction can start.
Canadian government approves, subject to conditions
Transport Canada said the Windsor-Detroit gateway is the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States.
Marc Garneau, the minister of transport, said the Canadian government approved the Canadian Transit Company's application for the proposed Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project spanning the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The project is to replace the existing bridge.
"The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring the continued flow of trade and travelers between Windsor and Detroit, one of the most important Canada-United States border crossings," Garneau said. "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."
The Canadian government is also moving forward with the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Here is more information from Transport Canada:
"As a key component of the Windsor-Detroit gateway, the 87-year old Ambassador Bridge is important to the economic well-being of the region, particularly to the automotive industry and for daily commuter traffic between Windsor and Detroit, and needs to be replaced. The project will see the construction of a replacement six-lane bridge as well as an expansion of the Ambassador Bridge’s associated Canada Border Services Agency facility.
"Under Canada’s International Bridges and Tunnels Act, the project is subject to conditions that will 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."
Snyder's statement on bridge
Snyder released the following statement on Canada's approval of the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project:
"There is no question that the Windsor-Detroit gateway is the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States. Canada and Michigan are committed to ensuring sufficient capacity to maintain an efficient trade corridor that can handle trade and traffic growth for the long-term, benefitting Canadians and U.S. citizens for generations to come.
"Today’s announcement reflects that reality and also addresses the physical limitations of the 87-year-old Ambassador Bridge by calling for a replacement span, rather than the construction of a ‘twin’ span. However, construction on a replacement span would not begin unless and until further governmental approvals in the U.S. are obtained and several conditions established by Canada are met. Canada’s announcement today also reaffirms the plans for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is on schedule to begin significant construction in 2018. I appreciate the continued partnership with Canada in making the Gordie Howe International Bridge a major infrastructure priority."
