The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) hosted a meeting and tour of the Gordie Howe Bridge construction site for a delegation of OTA members, provincial association, and local community representatives.
The enthusiasm shown during the event by the trucking industry about what this bridge means for their communities, business operations and the Ontario economy was evident.
“Opportunities to help shape the direction of critical pieces of infrastructure for future generations come around perhaps once every century,” said OTA Chair James Steed. “The meeting was a wonderful opportunity for our members to get updates on the construction and provide input during this important phase for the WDBA, including improvements that could assist the flow of trade even further once the bridge opens.”
Set to open at the end of 2024, the new bridge will create redundancy, support cross-border supply chains, and dramatically improve the flow of goods movement between Ontario and Michigan.
“The WDBA have been great partners and have continued to take a collaborative approach on how to make processing at the bridge more efficient while also creating a driver-friendly border crossing experience. We look forward to continuing this process as we eagerly anticipate the bridge’s opening,” said Lak Shoan, Director of Policy and Industry Awareness Programs for OTA.
The OTA would like to thank the members in attendance for the tour: Brian Kurtz Trucking; Laser Transport; Morrice Transportation; Onfreight Logistics; Robinson Transport; Steed Standard Transport; Verspeeten Cartage and Daimler Truck Canada.
Also in attendance were provincial association leaders Aaron Dolyniuk from the Manitoba Trucking Association and Chris McKee from the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and representatives from the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.