Traffic consultant favors new bridge for Windsor border crossing

Groups representing the automotive and trucking industries in Canada have spoken out in support of the Schwartz report on how the City of Windsor should deal with traffic issues related to the border crossing with Detroit.
Consultant Sam Schwartz, also known as Gridlock Sam, was retained by the City of Windsor to recommend ways to address both commercial and passenger traffic issues, and to consider current alternative border crossing proposals.
Schwartz’s report, presented on Jan. 21, favors a new multi-lane bridge touching down in industrial areas of both Detroit and Windsor, a new roadway to connect Highway 401 with the new bridge, and some short-term projects that will get more trucks off city streets.
Ontario Trucking Association David Bradley welcomed the plan as a significant step forward. "The plan contains a number of the key improvements we believe are necessary for the free flow of trade and for the protection of the Windsor community. For us, the key issues were provision of a freeway-to-freeway access to the border; more separation of cars and trucks; and more choice in terms of border crossings. The plan attempts to address all of these objectives."
The City of Windsor has long been in discussion with the federal and provincial governments regarding the need for improved infrastructure leading to Windsor’s international crossings. The Schwartz report is summarized on the City of Windsor web site, www.citywindsor.ca.