WINDSOR, Ont. — The Ambassador Bridge has erected barriers blocking access to northbound Huron Church Rd. as drivers heading into Canada come off the bridge.

According to the Windsor Star, every vehicle exiting the bridge must head south on Huron Church.

The bridge blocked the area so it can complete maintenance work. The bridge is currently expanding the customs and tollbooth plaza at mouth of the bridge, where Huron Church ends.

The Ambassador is in the process of expanding
the mouth of the bridge for a new twin span

The Ambassador is owned and operated by a private company, which has rights to manage the bridge in any way it chooses. It can even restrict access to government officials, engineers and law enforcement. The barriers are reportedly set up on bridge property.

The city is concerned the barriers will choke access to downtown, making it harder for travelers to get around.

“Once again, they are doing this the Ambassador Bridge way,” Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis told the Star.

But bridge President Dan Stamper said city officials are overreacting. He said the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of drivers and the public.

He told the Star that he guesses the maintenance work would take about three months, adding that the bridge would occasionally open access to the Huron Church during construction.

The Ambassador is forging ahead with plans to construct a new six-lane twin span directly next to the current crossing. The areas that’s being worked on, will act as an entrance to both crossings.

— with files from the Windsor Star