The Ambassador Bridge is a major US-CN border crossing owned and operated by a privately held company. The company’s plans to build a larger, second bridge comes at a time when private investment in and ownership of major elements of transportation infrastructure is a hot policy topic in Washington and many states. The title is linked to a two-part NPR story on the bridge and expansion plans. In the first part you will hear Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry operator Greg Ward speak of security issues raised by private ownership.

The Ambassador Bridge: Public Crossing / Private Owner

The company’s website includes information on the “enhancement” project including an animated flyover.

Ambassador Bridge Website

“…salties account for less than 7% of the cargo moved on the Great Lakes and Seaway according to the Corps of Engineers.”

Lock the Lakes…Groups Ask for Moratorium on Ocean Vessels

Some of the commissioners have shown particular interest in what the future’s transportation should be, not just to fix immediate and near term problems.  Congress is expected to give the commission until December to make its report on future transportation policy.

National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission

Not without merit but missing maritime. It mentions…

• Ports but not ships.
• Metro mobility but not ferries.
• Building capacity on road and rail but not using capacity on waterways.

Maps Need Marine Highways.

AASHTO’s Vision Statement drafts