Coast Guard Issues Permit For New Ambassador Bridge Project
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A permit for the location and plans for a twin of the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, in Canada, has been approved.
The U.S. Coast Guard says Tuesday that the agency completed a review and evaluation of the Detroit International Bridge Co.'s application for the proposed new commuter bridge.
"We are pleased to obtain the Coast Guard navigation permit. This is another important step forward, after much delay, and we are very encouraged with this development. We look forward to moving forward on our second span," Mickey Blashfield, Bridge Co. spokesperson, said in a statement.
The Coast Guard says it looked at the potential impact the project would have on river navigation and the environment.
Canadian officials still must approve the bridge before construction can begin. The Bridge Co. also needs permission from the state and U.S. National Park Service to construct the bridge over park land in southwest Detroit.
"The Ambassador Bridge was 76-years-old when we applied to amend our existing navigation permit to accommodate our second span. The bridge is now 86," said Blashfield. "Since applying for the permit, we have replaced the Ambassador Bridge main span deck and enhanced its plazas in anticipation of our second span."
The Bridge Co. is fighting the construction of a competing $2.1 billion government span between Detroit and Windsor. Construction on that bridge is expected to start in 2017.
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