Last week marked the 92nd birthday of the iconic Ambassador Bridge. Today, it is one of the busiest international crossings in the world, supporting $137 Billion in trade between the United States and Canada every year.
As the Ambassador Bridge approaches its 100-year milestone, the Detroit International Bridge Company launched an extensive, multimillion-dollar restoration project. The project included the installation of new roadway joists, a state-of-the-art fire suppression system on both the American and Canadian side of the bridge, more energy efficient lighting and electrical systems, and expanded roadway. Construction on the U.S. side of the Ambassador Bridge has been completed while construction on the Canadian side of the bridge is expected to be completed in late 2022.
This project is a continuation of the Detroit International Bridge Company’s investment in the bridge. In 2012, DIBC invested in the Gateway Plaza project, designed to keep truck traffic on the expressway and out of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Hundreds of construction and bridge workers have worked on this project while bridge travel was restricted for non-essential travelers. The light passenger vehicle traffic allowed the bridge company to expedite bridge construction.
“This massive renovation of the Ambassador Bridge is an example of the great work Michigan’s union workers do every single day. We are proud to have played a part in restoring this iconic bridge which creates jobs, commerce and opportunities on both sides of the border”, says Tom Stover, president of Toebe Construction LLC, the Michigan contractor that rehabilitated the U.S. approach of the bridge.
Teamsters represents the more than 75 men and women who work at the Ambassador Bridge every day. Dan Stamper, president of the bridge company said “the team of dedicated traffic workers, general maintenance, construction and painters know the impact of this bridge and its importance to our economy and our communities.”
The Ambassador Bridge is now open for travel into both Canada and the United States for fully-vaccinated travelers, including non-essential tourists and those traveling to visit loved ones over the holidays. New requirements are in effect and the Detroit International Bridge Company encourages all travelers to visit the Ambassador Bridge website to view all travel requirements and documents necessary for crossing at all land ports of entry.
Matthew Moroun, chairman of the Detroit International Bridge Company, said “the Ambassador Bridge has connected our nations and driven international trade for nearly a century. As we move through this pandemic and celebrate this milestone, we look forward to helping customers on both sides of the border reconnect with the people and places they’ve missed for so long.”
