Michigan DOT Finishes Gateway Project, Opens to All Traffic

AASHTO Journal, 28 September 2012

After only seven months, the Michigan Department of Transportation completed a major project that will greatly impact the state’s economy and bring relief to drivers crossing the border in and out of Canada.

MDOT announced last Friday the opening of its $230 million Gateway Project, which consisted of new ramps from I-75 and I-96 to the Ambassador Bridge plaza built to eliminate the border traffic congestion that has typically caused drivers to endure long delays in the past. Also completed is a public roadway that gives drivers the option of accessing the toll booths directly or visiting the duty-free plaza before traveling to the Ambassador Bridge.

“The dedication and perseverance of the MDOT staff, consultants, and contracting crews to deliver this project in such a swift manner is simply outstanding,” said MDOT Director Kirk Steudle in a statement. “The past few years have been challenging for MDOT and the residents of southwest Detroit. We made a commitment to the taxpayers of Michigan that their investment would not solely benefit one entity and we delivered.”

The entire project was completed in seven months, beginning immediately after a Circuit Court Judge ruled that the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) give up control of their part of the project to MDOT (see related story: bit.ly/AJMich). DIBC had been previously directed to complete its portion, yet years later had not done so. MDOT began construction on April 14, 2012, completing its first phase (the opening of a two-lane truck road) in May (see related story: bit.ly/AJgateway).

Elected officials were also on hand to laud the project and its benefits to the state, as well as congratulate MDOT on the project’s speedy completion.

“The project enhances Detroit’s role as a key transportation hub by improving the flow of traffic and commerce between Michigan and Canada, our most important trading partner,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley. “This is vital to Michigan’s economic future. MDOT’s impressive performance demonstrates how efficient and effective state government should operate.”

Additional information on MDOT’s Gateway project is available at bit.ly/MIGateway.

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