Trips across the border are part of Robert Lewis’ normal routine.
As a truck driver for Moore Transport, he often finds himself traveling between Ohio and destinations in Canada that aren’t well known to the average city dweller.
Sometimes Lewis travels so far north, “You don’t see deer crossings, you see moose crossings,” he says.
He doesn’t expect much to change about the sights and scenery that are so radically different from his hometown surroundings in Detroit, but he looks forward to testing a new route.
Like thousands of other commercial drivers and Michigan residents who regular visit such locations as Windsor and Toronto, Lewis awaits the chance to learn how the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s construction might impact him. As the first stages of building the new span draw closer in 2018, many hope the alternate route will improve travel, local tourism and the overall visibility of Detroit neighborhoods.
Lewis hopes to spare himself trips out of Detroit to Port Huron’s Blue Water Bridge on days when local Ambassador Bridge traffic to Canada is bumper-to-bumper.
“I think it’ll free up the bridges so they won’t be as backed up coming across,” he says.
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority data shows the Gordie Howe is expected to decrease truck traffic on the heavily traveled span of I-75 between Springwells Street and the Ambassador Bridge by 13 percent during peak afternoon hours.
“The major benefit of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is that the current backup of traffic to and from I-75 should be eliminated …” states a summer 2017 Bridge Authority publication, “Managing Emissions and Managing Traffic – US Project Components.”
“As well,” the report adds, “with the new directional ramps connecting the new bridge to I-75, traffic will be free-flow on the ramps and additional entry and exit points to I-75, providing better distribution of traffic along I-75.”
Here’s an animated look at the US Port of Entry and I-75 interchange.
Still, there is concern in nearby neighborhoods.
Decades of exposure to vehicle emissions from the nearby bridge have led to increased rates of asthma and other related illnesses in parts of Southwest Detroit, leading to required air-quality monitoring in connection with the Gordie Howe’s opening. But Bridge Authority data suggests the new crossing’s increase of fluid movement versus congestion, which produces more carbon emissions, prevents it from creating further health hazards. Additionally, fuel and diesel engines have become more environmentally friendly, decreasing toxins from commercial traffic, according to research.
Apart from relieving border crossing areas and nearby Southwest Detroit of traffic congestion, other transportation service near the Gordie Howe will improve, says Jeff Cranson, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson. Pedestrian bridge replacement over the freeway and $12 million in local road enhancements are planned, along with a partnership with the City of Detroit to create walking, biking and shared pathways.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will enhance the flow of goods and people across the border and support businesses across the state and region that rely on trade with Canada,” Cranson says. “Certainly, many of those are in metro Detroit, but business leaders in all of Michigan support this vital project because of the impact it will have on them.”
Alvaro Padilla, manager of Taqueria El Nacimiento restaurant, says his family-owned business anticipates opening its doors to more Canadian passengers who exit Gordie Howe International Bridge directly into Southwest Detroit. Located at 7400 West Vernor, the Mexican eatery has discussed the crossing’s potential as an asset to its customer base and that of the neighborhood.
“We’re looking forward to it and hoping it’s going to be a good thing,” Padilla says. “We’re anxious to see how that’s going to turn out, because we want it to benefit the community.”
Already the restaurant’s proximity to the border has attracted occasional customers asking to buy meals with Canadian money.
“I think it’s because we’re so close to the border,” says Padilla. “For so many years, actual Mexicantown has gotten most of the traffic. Now it’s moving down this way, further west on Vernor and I think everybody’s getting familiar with this side.”
Even if it’s not always while hauling cars across the Detroit River into Ontario for work-related travel, Lewis says he’ll explore the Gordie Howe. He looks forward to the view from a much smaller vehicle than his big rig.
“Of course, I’m going to go over and see what it’s like,” he says. “I ride my motorcycle.”
Editor’s note: There are opportunities for employment with the bridge. Click here to find out more.
Expanding boundaries: Detroiters hope Gordie Howe bridge will add retail dollars, ease traffic added by E.B. Allen on
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