DETROIT (WWJ) – These days, delays for motorists seeking to cross the Ambassador Bridge mean one thing: the work to finally finish the so-called Gateway Project is progressing.

According to WWJ Newsradio 950 reporter Mike Campbell, demolition of what became known as Pier 19 is still underway.

If you look up from Fort Street right under the Ambassador Bridge you’ll see Pier 19, known as the “ramp to nowhere”.  The ramp, built by the Ambassador Bridge Company,was supposed to lead to a second span that bridge company owner Matty Maroun planned to build.

But then came lawsuits – and court dates – and three years later, the project is now in the control of the Michigan Department of Transportation.

MDOT has hired Dan’s Excavating to break up the concrete at street level, and perhaps participate in the eventual demolition of Pier 19.

Already some work topside has begun, sometimes reducing bridge traffic to just one lane in each direction.

Once demolished, Pier 19 will be replaced with a series of new ramps designed to streamline bridge traffic to and from local expressways and get the traffic, especially truck traffic, off surrounding surface and residential streets.

The $230 million project is projected to be completed in October.