MichiganRadio

A Step Closer to Bridging the River WINDSOR, ONTARIO (Michigan Radio) - Canadian officials today announced the purchase of nearly 100 acres of land for a new bridge crossing inspection center.

The center will serve a bridge U.S. authorities have yet to authorize.

Canadian officials are spending about $30 million (US) to buy land downstream from the Ambassador Bridge. While Canadian officials have focused on this site for a second Detroit River crossing, US officials have not yet given final approval for the route across the Detroit River.

Parliament Member Jeff Watson says the region's economic vitality relies on the second bridge being built.

"Through it moves trade not only from Ontario and Michigan, but from Quebec and Canada's east coast, as well as trade from as far west and south as California and Texas," says Watson.

There are still environmental and other surveys to be completed before any work could begin on a multi-billion dollar bridge between Detroit and Windsor. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio