Construction on a new $400 million Detroit-Windsor rail tunnel could begin as early as next year, project backers say. The existing rail tunnel was built in 1910 and cannot accommodate double-stacked freight cars.
Windsor Star: The new rail tunnel would use the existing corridor that leads to the current tunnel entrance south of Wyandotte Street West between Wellington Avenue and Cameron Avenue. The new tunnel would be built a few dozen metres to the west.
But several hurdles remain on the Canadian side, including federal environmental approvals, approval by cabinet in Ottawa and government funding support.
But construction will get going next year, said David Cree, CEO of the Windsor Port Authority, a partner in the project.
About half the funding for the project has been identified. In addition to securing Canadian environmental clearance, the new rail tunnel must receive a U.S. presidential permit before construction can begin.
