The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued an advisory warning travellers of reduced lane capacity at the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel from September 9 to 19 due to plaza construction on the Canadian side. Although real-time dashboards showed minimal delays early on September 18, CBSA cautions that wait times can spike unpredictably during peak commuter and commercial-traffic hours. The tunnel is one of North America’s busiest passenger crossings, handling up to 12,000 vehicles daily, including thousands of business travellers shuttling between Ontario’s automotive cluster and suppliers in Michigan. Lane reductions coincide with the fall return-to-office period, adding pressure on corporate shuttle services and cross-border sales teams. Companies with time-sensitive shipments are encouraged to divert trucks to the Ambassador Bridge or the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, though those routes can also experience backups when the tunnel is constrained. CBSA recommends that travellers enrol in NEXUS or FAST programs for expedited processing and monitor the "Border Wait Times" mobile app before departure. Global mobility managers should alert employees to carry secondary travel documentation—such as U.S. work-authorization letters—and to pad schedules by at least 45 minutes. Frequent crossers may wish to adjust meeting formats to virtual platforms until construction concludes. The project is part of a C$27 million plaza-upgrade package aimed at improving security booths and adding solar-powered canopies. A second construction phase is tentatively planned for spring 2027; stakeholders are lobbying for night-time work to minimise future disruptions.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency
