New Detroit-Canada bridge to put local ferry out of business

Ferry owner welcomes new bridge

DETROIT – The new Detroit River crossing is going to change metro Detroit in a lot of ways.

The Gordie Howe International Crossing expected to provide jobs and make regional transportation work much more efficiently. It also will force a local company out of business -- an event the owner actually is welcoming.

On the Detroit River, next to the U.S. Steel plant, works a very busy little ferry service you've likely never heard about. The Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry moves hazardous material-bearing trucks which under federal law are not allowed on the Ambassador Bridge. The ferry service is owner by Gregg Ward.

"(It carries) whisky and gasoline, and paint, and a lot of auto-related chemicals for foundries for production," said Ward.

Yes, it does seem rather old-fashioned to see Ward's single three-man ferry moving between 5,000 and 7,000 trucks -- often carrying oversized loads that don't fit on the bridge -- across the Detroit River to Windsor every year.

"Traditionally they've gone through the Blue Water Bridge, which is 100 mile there, 65 miles back to Windsor, which is very inefficient when you can cross the river using 4,000-year-old technology," said Ward.

The 15-minute crossing started in 1990 and, much like its ancient technology, its days are numbered as the new bridge looms on the horizon. Yet, Ward strongly supports the new bridge's arrival.

"To reduce the risk to our society, to our national security, to our economic security, we have to have a good transportation system, and this bridge accomplishes that," he said.

The new bridge will allow hazardous material loads, eliminating the need for this special and scenic trip across the Detroit River starting in 2020.

"It's not a good thing for our business but it's for the greater good. It makes a lot of sense. A lot of people's lives will be changed because of this project," said Ward.

So what will Ward do? He's not sure just yet, but he said he will get by and find something else to do. Maybe.


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.