The latest traffic study conducted for the Detroit-Windsor border has reaffirmed the need for a new border crossing, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
This is particularly important as the governments of Ontario, Canada, Michigan and the United States complete their studies in anticipation of a new bridge across the Detroit River. This vital economic link with the US is our busiest international border crossing, but it is in need of modernizing its pre-NAFTA infrastructure.
MDOT’s traffic information study, prepared at the request of the Michigan Legislature, reaffirm:
- the need for an additional border crossing in the Detroit-Windsor corridor despite the current economic downturn
- traffic projections developed as part of the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
- the strong bi-national commitment to construct a new publicly owned border crossing that will link Hwy 401 with the US Interstate provide redundancy for the existing crossings
The traffic study will be submitted as part of a required investment-grade traffic studyreport which will be submitted to the Michigan Legislature by May 1, 2010. In addition,Requests for Proposal of Interest have been issued, seeking private sector interest in joining a public-private partnership to construct the DRIC bridge, plaza, and related infrastructure.
The Michigan Legislature has announced its intention to vote on whether to support the DRIC project by June 1, 2010.
For further information, please contact Frank Belluardo, OCC Policy Analyst at 416 482 5222 ext. 247 or frankbelluardo@occ.on.ca.
