Statement
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2023
Windsor, Ontario - The following statement was issued today by Charl van Niekerk, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA)
“As part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, we are reconstructing a three-kilometre stretch of Sandwich Street from south of the Rosedale Avenue roundabout past Ojibway Parkway to McKee Avenue. This project, worth approximately $12 million, is being completed in three phases with the goal of achieving full completion in 2024."
To deliver these much-needed improvements, road closures and detours will be required. That starts with the first phase of work – from Ojibway Parkway to Chappell Avenue – anticipated to begin on September 5, 2023.
We have heard, over the last week, feedback from members of the Sandwich community regarding the construction approach that would see a full closure of this 500-metre length of Sandwich Street and the construction approach that would see one lane open in one direction.
The community’s voice is important to us. Although we see value in the full closure, over the last few days, WDBA and Bridging North America (BNA) have been working with the City of Windsor to review options that reflect the feedback we are hearing.
As a result of this work and the input from the community, WDBA, BNA and the City have agreed to proceed with a partial closure of this segment of Sandwich Street. It is anticipated that this closure will be 14 weeks in duration. Over this period, we will review the approach, and adjust accordingly, to ensure we balance minimizing community impacts while achieving the greatest efficiency possible to complete this critical work before the winter months.
A detour for both passenger vehicles and trucks on Prince Road and Tecumseh will be in place. With the partial closure of Sandwich, we expect that approximately half of the traffic that currently travels through this section of Sandwich will need to use this detour each day.
To support safety and traffic calming measures during this detour, the following steps will be taken:
- detours will be well signed
- radar speed signs will be in place
- traffic authorities will support enforcement as needed
- additional school crossing guards, funded by the City of Windsor, will be located at key intersections
- trucking companies will be asked to use a modified detour route along College Avenue to Huron Church Road, in addition to the designated Prince Road detour, to further reduce traffic congestion through this specific area.
WDBA and Bridging North America are part of the Sandwich community, and we want to do what is best for both the community and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. We appreciate the feedback we receive and the active participation of the community. We recognize the impacts of construction and appreciate the residents’ and business owners’ patience and understanding as we advance this project.”
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WDBA Media Relations
226-757-1716
info [at] wdbridge.com
