Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project

Windsor (ON)

August 1, 2006 (Updated March 27, 2013) -- Transport Canada and the Windsor Port Authority are required to ensure that a screening is conducted pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act commencing on July 18, 2006 in relation to the project: Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project.

The Canadian Transit Company and the Detroit International Bridge Company propose to add a second span beside the existing Ambassador Bridge, which crosses the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.

The proposal consists of building a six lane, cable-stayed bridge across the Detroit River to the west of the existing span, connecting into the existing customs inspection plaza in Windsor, and directly into the existing Ambassador Bridge in Detroit. The combined operation of the existing Ambassador Bridge and the new replacement bridge span was not assessed or proposed by the Canadian Transit Company as part of the project.

The proposed bridge would be constructed roughly parallel to the existing Ambassador Bridge. One anchorage pier on each side of the river, as well as fourteen additional support piers on the Canadian side and four additional support piers on the U.S. side, would support the bridge. The length of the proposed project is approximately 2130 metres, with 670 metres traversing the river. The bridge would be approximately 46 metres above the Detroit River. The width of the proposed bridge is larger than the existing structure, with a clear roadway width of 31 metres.

The scope of the project will include all construction, operation, modification, decommissioning or abandonment activities in relation to the project on the Canadian side of the river. The scope of the project will also include any modifications or expansion to the customs inspection facilities that would be required as a result of this project.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Transport Canada may take action in relation to the Navigable Waters Protection Act and the Windsor Port Authority may provide federal lands.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of multiple/other jurisdictions.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency will act as the Federal Environmental Assessment Coordinator for this environmental assessment.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:

Senior Advisor Environmental Assessment
Environmental Programs (AHEB)
Stewardship and Sustainable Transportation Programs
Transport Canada
Place de Ville Tower C
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
Email: ACEE-CEAA.TC-AHS@tc.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 06-01-21100