New Highway 401 border wait-time signs near Windsor, Ont., to update every 5 minutes
Overhead signs were put up late last year around Tilbury and Puce
They're a sure sign that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is inching closer to opening in the fall of 2025.
Two new signs that stretch above Highway 401 were erected recently — one near Tilbury, the other at Puce.
They are meant to provide border wait times for commercial and passenger vehicles at the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and, eventually, the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
The signs are designed to provide "clear" and "timely" information for drivers, according Heather Grondin, chief relations officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).
"It reinforces one of the objectives of our project: to facilitate the efficient flow of traffic and goods through the Windsor-Detroit gateway," she said in a statement.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) handled the installation of the signs and will manage the electronic advisory system.
Signs to update every 5 minutes
For now, the signs read "testing in progress," but that will eventually change.
"They will display actual information once the system is fully tested and operational, updating every five minutes," the ministry said in an email.
"The signs will help motorists decide whether to cross or detour and notify drivers of any border closures."
The MTO added no other advisory signs related to the Windsor crossings are planned at this time on the Canadian side.
However, there are plans for similar signs to be put up on the U.S. side, according to Jeff Cranson with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Canson is unaware of any timelines at this point because the WDBA is "financing the project" and will play a role in those decisions.
Manny Paiva, manager of communications with WDBA, said the signage production and installation in the U.S. will be overseen by their private-sector partner, Bridging North America.
"The schedule for installation is at the discretion of Bridging North America and will be done in co-ordination with MDOT as the U.S. road authority," Paiva said in a statement.
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