After $230 Million, Six Years And One Moroun, Ambassador Bridge Hook-Up Opens Today

Michigan Department of Transportation officials are scheduled Friday to announce the completion of the Gateway Project, is a reconfiguration of the linkages between the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and Interstates 75 and 96, according to the Detroit News.

 For years, southwest Detroit residents have complained of the large volume of truck traffic using their neighborhood to access the plaza.

Completion means the plaza can now be accessed by a ramp from eastbound I-96/southbound I-75, and another from northbound I-75. In addition, a local service drive has been completed.

State and bridge company officials, led by Ambassador Bridge owner Manny Moroun, have battled over the Gateway Project almost from the beginning of the agreement. The project was delayed after the state sued the bridge company, accusing it of violating the contract by unilaterally making changes to the construction plan.