Long early morning lines at Windsor-Detroit Tunnel slows cross-border traffic

Many cross-border commuters are finding longer wait times at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel after toll increases on the bridge. CTV’s Bob Bellacicco has more.

Traffic is backing up at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and commuters are facing longer wait times to get across the border.

“We’ve seen a noticeable increase in morning commuters,” Tal Czudner remarked. The CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation said the change in volume coincides with toll increases at the Ambassador Bridge.

A round trip across the bridge now costs passenger vehicles $28 or $14 each way.

“There’s about 11,000 people who live in Windsor-Essex who commute to Detroit every day, lots of Big 3 folks are taking the tunnel even more than they did before,” Czudner pointed out.

Daily backups have become the norm. Czudner said what used to take 10-12 minutes now takes up to 20 minutes to get through the tunnel and U.S. Customs.

The biggest delay is taking place between 6:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

He suggested increased security levels may lead to extra questioning on the American side as well.

“Come a little earlier or come a little later or just download a really nice podcast and prepare to spend an extra few minutes in our lovely tunnel,” Czudner said.

Another suggestion he has to offer motorists is to apply for a Nexus card.

“Generally, our friends at U.S. Customs have four Nexus lanes open and three regular lanes open for the morning but oftentimes the Nexus lanes are not terribly busy,” Czudner told CTV News.

He also pointed out the benefits of having a Nexpress pay card, which drops the toll fee from $8.25 to $5.90 at both sides of the border.

CTV reached out to the Ambassador Bridge about possible traffic volume changes following the toll increase, but has not received a response as of news time.

At the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has yet to announce an opening date, but officials say it will happen in early 2026. Toll rates will be announced before the bridge is opened.

“We’re ready to go. Anytime. Just open the gates. Let’s go,” said Steve Kozma, Business Development Manager at Morrice Transportation.

“I’m hoping it goes faster than it was anticipated before.”

He noted the company has eaten the increase at the Ambassador Bridge, which for trucks is $15 to $20 per axle.

“Stuff we already have priced out, we’re taking that to the bottom line,” he said.

He’s hopeful relief will come when the new bridge opens.