Group to study tunnel alternative to Ambassador Bridge

WINDSOR, Ont. (July 16, 2002) — Canadian Pacific Railway and Borealis Transportation Infrastructure Trust, owned by the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, said they are examining ways to convert a rail tunnel under the Detroit River into a new dedicated truck and rail corridor between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit.

The Detroit River Tunnel Partnership (DRTP), which owns the existing rail tunnel and rail corridor between Hwy. 401 in Ontario and I-75 in Michigan, will examine converting the existing tunnel’s two rail tubes into a state-of-the-art truck route. The project would maximize use of existing transportation infrastructure that currently handles approximately 400,000 rail cars each year.

The work will also examine the development of a new rail tunnel in the same corridor to accommodate all types of modern rail cars. A new rail tunnel would be open to all rail users. Together, the truck and rail tunnels would form a secure zone for an efficient, cost-effective route designed to serve freight traffic.

DRTP’s proposal could make an important and timely contribution in response to the ever-increasing demand for access to Canada-U.S. border crossings in the Windsor-Detroit corridor.

“With the necessary approvals and support, and the use of existing infrastructure, a new, free-flowing Windsor-Detroit border crossing could be reality in five years,” said DRTP general manager Michael Sheahan. “With the experience and resources of our partnership, this project could move quickly from concept to completion. Our plan could improve commercial traffic movement at existing crossings, which is essential for continued economic growth in the Detroit/Windsor region.”

Twenty-five per cent of all Canada-U.S trade passes between Windsor and Detroit. Approximately 10,000 trucks per day converge on Huron Church Road and secondary arteries in Windsor, creating a bottleneck that constricts trade flows, puts severe strain on infrastructure and raises concerns about public health and safety.