Canada's Transport Minister paid a visit to the mayor of Windsor Friday, and had some stern answers for questions on two-new international crossings.
Marc Garneau says a new span next to the Ambassador Bridge will not change plans for the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
"The Gordie Howe International Bridge, I can assure you with 100% certainty will be built. We have a commitment to this bridge, we believe very much that we need two-bridges," says Garneau. "We have authorized a replacement for the Ambassador Bridge with a number of very clearly spelled out conditions associated with it."
Timelines will be up in the air until plans become clearer, he added.
"We believe that work will begin on the GHIB before the end of 2018," he says. "I'm not giving a date at this point because we need to see the final bids and what their timelines are, and costs before we chose a winning bid and that will give us a better idea when it will be completed."
He says the Canadian Transit Corporation will have to produce an iron-clad plan with permits before a new bridge is allowed to open at the foot of Huron Church Rd.
"Until we are presented with permits and the authorizations, as well as the environmental evaluations and engineering studies involving the costs that will show clearly how the old bridge will be demolished, they will not be allowed to proceed with a new bridge," he says.
When asked what would happen if the Ambassador Bridge Company attempted to find a legal-loop-hole to keep the existing bridge open, Garneau simply says, "we will close the new bridge."