Windsor US Border Crossing Reopens for US-Bound Traffic as Protest Continues

The Ambassador bridge which spans the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit, Michigan, is shown from Windsor, Ont., on Dec. 18, 2021. The Canadian Press/Fred Thornhill

The Ambassador Bridge border crossing between Windsor, Ont. and Detroit has reopened to U.S.-bound traffic after a demonstration against COVID-19 mandates blocked traffic in both directions on the evening of Feb. 7.

Windsor police said on Feb. 8 morning that the U.S.-bound pathway has opened at the bridge and can be accessed through the Wyandotte St. West entrance.

Windsor Police said more than 100 protesters remained on the scene early on Feb. 8. Officials said the demonstration is so far peaceful, and no arrests have been made.

The traffic along Huron Church Road remains congested, the police said on Twitter, adding that they will maintain a visible presence to uphold order and public safety.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) listed the Ambassador Bridge as temporarily closed for both commercial and travellers vehicles on the night of Feb. 7, and has remained as such as of publication time.

“The Agency can confirm that demonstrations are contributing to significant border wait times at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry (POE). Travellers, including truck drivers, may wish to use other ports of entry and consult the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services to confirm hours and availability of service before they head out,” the CBSA told CTV in a statement.

Ontario Provincial Police in Essex County sent out a release on Feb. 7 telling drivers to avoid the area, and to take the Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia if travelling to the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported no wait times from Canada to the United States at the bridge, as of 9 a.m. on Feb. 8.

The demonstration blocking the busy international land border crossing North America is one of several protests across Canada in solidarity with the Freedom Convoy movement in Ottawa that opposes federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions.

Another blockade that started on Jan. 29 in southern Alberta at the Coutts border has resumed after protesters said they were abandoning the demonstration on Feb. 3.

Both north and southbound lanes at the Coutts border have now been blocked due to the trucks parked on Highway 4, the Alberta RCMP said in a post on Twitter on Feb. 8.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.