DETROIT — Two years ago, the tragic collapse of a major Minneapolis freeway bridge got the owner of the aging Ambassador Bridge thinking of what to do if something similar were to happen in Windsor-Detroit.

According to the Windsor Star, owner Matty Moroun has ordered the design of a concrete "floating" bridge which can be stored and assembled within a week in the event the Ambassador crossing is disabled, by a terrorist action or otherwise.

Bridge president Dan Stamper told the paper a prototype is being modeled after floating bridges that span Lake Washington near Seattle.

The bridge is built with concrete pontoons that float atop the water, which are anchored with cables. The Star reports that the middle section would be able to open and close to allow boats to pass.

Stamper said the portable structure could be offered to other local bridges or tunnels that would require it in the event of an emergency — for an insurance fee.