Michigan lifts restrictions on hazmat transport for Ambassador Bridge into Windsor

Following some six months of consultation, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has decided to allow fuels and materials for batteries to be transported across the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. 

The privately-owned bridge will allow the currently restricted materials to be transported as of October 29, despite concerns from Windsor’s city council that the nearly century-old bridge was not designed to withstand the effects of a potential hazmat incident.  

Windsor-West MP Brian Masse spoke in the House of Commons about his concerns on September 17.

“This is bad for the environment, bad for the economy and an unnecessary risk for public safety,” Masse told MPs.

In 2023, MDOT received a request from the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) to allow the movement of Class 3 and 8 substances over the bridge. Allowing substances like gasoline and diesel fuel to cross the bridge will enable trucks to avoid substantial rerouting that bridge officials said only increase the risks of spills. 

The DIBC says that it has a fire suppression system and spill mitigation protocols in place. 

“Restricted materials will only be transported during off-peak hours, under the supervision of vehicle escorts,” MDOT announced in a statement on August 30.

MDOT commissioned a technical study in June 2021 to evaluate the risks associated with transporting restricted materials over the Ambassador Bridge. It released the study’s findings in November 2023 during a public comment period, cofuellecting over 80 letters from elected officials, business owners, and other members of the public.

According to estimates made in a study, the new Gordie Howe International Bridge could capture some 60% of the traffic currently flowing across the Ambassador Bridge, according to the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority. The builders have agreed to a fall 2025 completion date for the $6.4-billion bridge.