October 31, 2005

The following article is excerpted from the 31 October 2005 edition of “globeandmail.com”.
 

A short list of contenders to build a new Detroit-Windsor crossing could be released as early as this week, placing pressure on the U.S. billionaire who owns the Ambassador Bridge to defend his turf.

Detroit International Bridge Co., controlled by entrepreneur Manuel (Matty) Moroun, has a plan to twin its privately run Ambassador Bridge, but that proposal is expected to face stiff competition, possibly from three challengers….

The four front-runners are seen to be: the Ambassador Bridge's twinning plan; a proposal by Mich-Can International Bridge Co. to construct a new bridge; the Detroit River Tunnel Partnership's plan to convert an existing train tunnel into trucking use; and a bridge concept modelled after a Windsor-commissioned study by traffic consultant Sam Schwartz.

Evaluation of the contenders is scheduled to continue this week, and a public announcement has been tentatively set for Nov. 28. However, the short list could be completed internally as early as this Friday and potentially ready for public release within days, a government source said….

There is fear in some industry and political circles that the Ambassador Bridge will maintain its stranglehold on international truck traffic, notably moving auto parts, said Dan Friesen, a University of Windsor business professor….