DETROIT — Michigan officials have started discussions with business people in the Delray neighborhood — the area planners have selected for a new bridge across the Detroit River into Windsor, Ont.

According to the Detroit News, state transportation representatives are interviewing about 85 business owners about relocation plans before embarking on a mission to meet with about 400 residents in southwest Detroit.

Officials are gathering information about building sizes, employees, and relocation timeframes. The voluntary discussions don’t include appraisals or purchase offers at this point, states the newspaper.

Both Canada and the U.S. still need to approve final plans for the new crossing, which would be located a few kilometers southwest of the current, privately owned Ambassador Bridge.

State, provincial, and officials from both federal governments played a role in the binational Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) study — the government effort to determine the next crossing location.

The DRIC has effectively selected a new bridge crossing to be built in the area. It hopes to finalize plans and complete construction by 2013.

Meanwhile, the owners of the Ambassador Bridge say they will forge ahead with stated plans to twin the current crossing. The Bridge Co. has said once the new span is up and running, it may close the older structure.

— with files from the Detroit News