The U.S. Department of Transportation has invited the public to comment formally on proposed design and route alternatives for the Detroit River International Crossing. The project’s draft Environmental Impact Statement appeared recently in the Federal Register.
The EIS is a central part of the federal environmental review process, and allows for public participation in analyzing and disclosing environmental impacts. At less than four years, preparation of this document took about half the time needed for similar projects of this size, according to DOT.
When completed, the DRIC will span nearly seven miles. In addition to improving commercial traffic flow across the international border at Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, the new crossing will fulfill the needs of a 30-year transportation improvement plan developed jointly by the Federal Highway Administration, Michigan Department of Transportation, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Transport Canada.
The public review period for the draft EIS ends Tuesday, April 29. Copies of the draft EIS and supporting materials are available here.
