Detroit Grand Prix brings heavy traffic to the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel this weekend
Drivers returning from the U.S. can expect heavy traffic in the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel during the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend.
The tunnel will remain open throughout the event with traffic being re-routed to allow access without disrupting the race.
Windsorites commuting from Detroit may be seeing a 20-minute wait through the tunnel, according to Tal Czudner, CEO of Windsor Detroit Borderlink. He advises travellers to plan ahead and avoid peak travel times.
“I’d say you’ll see a little bit of volume Saturday morning, probably in the 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. range. And again, coming back a few hours later, 6 p.m. or so,” he said.
Drivers commuting from Windsor can anticipate no more than a 10-minute wait time.
“You’ll see almost no delays because there is a little less traffic because people are a little hesitant because of the Grand Prix,” he said.
While Czudner has noticed a downward shift in Canada-U.S. border crossings, he says the tunnel still maintains a steady stream of loyal commuters.
“We’re able and happy to provide the cheapest, quickest, safest way to get to Detroit,” he said. “When (the) Gordie Howe (International Bridge) opens up, we still expect to be the number one passenger vehicle crossing connecting Canada and the United States.”
Czudner also recommends travellers sign up for a Nexpress card, a pre-paid toll discount program, or a NEXUS card to speed up their border crossing journey.
“For this weekend, have fun, go enjoy the races. But then encourage somebody who you see in Detroit to come back and enjoy what we have in Windsor-Essex,” he said.
The Detroit Grand Prix will run from May 29 to 31. Drivers heading from Windsor to Detroit can exit the tunnel and turn right onto Jefferson Avenue to access routes on the I-375.
Source: Windsor Star
