It has become the busiest
international border
crossing in North America
main piers and the main tower, followed by the
anchorings. These first steps were completed close to
the end of July 1928. Construction of the bridge had
progressed quickly and it was expected the bridge
would be completed far ahead of schedule.
In March of 1929, less than a year later,
construction was halted due to faulty anchorage wires,
while new solutions were investigated. Construction
was halted until a new solution could be found.
By November of 1929 the bridge was completed.
On November 11, 1929, the Ambassador Bridge was
opened and the lives of those in Windsor and Detroit
were changed forever.
Since that November day, the bridge has had more
than 200 million automobiles and trucks cross. It has
become the busiest international border crossing in
North America, specifically in terms of trade, and
carries approximately 70 per cent of the commercial
truck traffic between borders.
Although the bridge was initially built as a more
cost effective method for transport of goods between
the cities of Windsor and Detroit, and ease of travel
between the two countries, it has also meant a great
deal to the social and economical development for
both.
“It has inspired and brought forth success for both
Canada and the United States,” said Marty Gervais, a
professor at the University of Windsor and author of
several history books about the region. He said at the
time the bridge was built they never could have
imagined the impact it would have in the future.
While there were positives to the construction of
the bridge, some members of the Windsor community
suffered. As other communities grew, expanded and
urbanized, the town of Sandwich failed to reap the
benefits.
“When the Ambassador Bridge went up it was like
a wall cutting off Sandwich from the rest of Windsor,”
said Gervais. “There are more heritage buildings per
Morning, noon or night, the Ambassador Bridge has
became a favourite subject for local photographers.