The truck route study aims to modernize Windsor’s network

With a project underway in Windsor to review and modernize the city’s truck route network, officials are turning to the public for input.

The Windsor Truck Route study was launched in September and is currently in phase one. Officials said the study is necessary to help “address the changing context, needs and priorities in Windsor” regarding the current truck route network.

“The study will recommend an updated truck route network that better meets the needs of both residents and stakeholders, ensuring that goods can be moved efficiently and safely to support economic activity and provide essential and valuable services, while reducing or managing negative externalities and the movement of goods provides a good quality of life for the community,” officials said.

The city will consider all major and collector roads — along with local roads in industrial business districts and scenic drives — in recommendations for the new truck route network. Regional highways will also be included in the revised recommendations.

Windsor’s current truck route network includes two cross-border options – the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Handling about 8,000 commercial trucks daily, the Ambassador Bridge is said to be the busiest truck crossing between the United States and Canada.

When it comes to a new network, officials said the recommendations should “improve the efficiency of goods movement and connectivity” while also seeking to “preserve community vitality and safety.” Officials also said they intend to create a network that takes into account future land use plans, which include new industrial zones and residential development.

“In determining the most appropriate truck route treatments and developing the most appropriate truck route network for the City of Windsor, the study must address diverse and often competing viewpoints,” officials said. “At the same time, the City of Windsor and its Council are also considering the City’s transportation, land use, climate emergency, economic development, safety and financial goals.”

While trucking destinations will play a large role in determining the new network, the city will also consider a number of other factors, including:

• Pedestrian activity
• Cycling routes
• Business improvement areas
• Sensitive neighborhoods and areas
• Movement of other vehicles

Officials with the Ontario Trucking Association said they plan to hold meetings with members — along with the municipality — before finalizing the study.

You can provide your feedback in the online survey here. LL