Ambassador Bridge. (Photo by Jason Viau)Ambassador Bridge. (Photo by Jason Viau)
Windsor

Windsor councillors object to hazardous materials on Ambassador Bridge

Windsor city councillors are sending a letter to the Ministry of Transport to voice their objections to hazardous materials being transported across the Ambassador Bridge.

They've also asked city administration to examine what actions need to be taken once these materials are on municipal streets.

"We're concerned about dangerous goods spilling on the Ambassador Bridge and making their way into the Detroit River. That's our primary concern. That's our drinking water source, that's an important waterway for us. No one want's to see that happen," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (M-DOT) has approved a plan to permit additional classes of such material to be transported out of Michigan via the Ambassador Bridge.

In a letter to the City of Windsor, Transport Canada said it does not regulate dangerous goods crossing an international crossing.

"What we really want is a continuance of the restriction that is in place. Our fire chief articulates it quite well, the existing Ambassador Bridge was not built to handle spills in the event that dangerous goods are crossing," said Dilkens.

Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac also raised concerns about costs to the municipality should a spill occur on the bridge or municipal streets.

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