OUR HISTORY
The story of the Detroit Windsor Tunnel begins with early vision and perseverance. Initial tunnel projects in 1871 and 1878 faced technical and financial challenges, but these attempts laid the groundwork for future success. The opening of the Grand Trunk Railway Tunnel in Port Huron in 1891 sparked renewed interest in Detroit tunnel construction, leading to the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel’s initiation in 1906. However, the growing demand for vehicular transportation called for a different solution.
In 1919, Windsor’s Mayor proposed a bold vision for a vehicular tunnel, facing initial skepticism from experts. Despite these challenges, the project secured backing in 1926, and construction commenced in 1928 using innovative tunneling methods. The tunnel was completed a remarkable year ahead of schedule at a cost of $23 million, taking just six months to complete. On November 1, 1930, the facility was formally dedicated, with President Herbert Hoover turning a symbolic “golden key” in Washington to open the tunnel for public use.
Throughout its history, the tunnel has undergone significant improvements to maintain its infrastructure and enhance user experience. A $50 million renovation in 1993 upgraded the road surface, sidewall tiling, lighting, and video surveillance systems. In 2006, a $25 million renovation modernized the ventilation system, followed by a $30 million ceiling renovation completed in 2018. These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining this historic structure while meeting the demands of modern international travel.
The Detroit Windsor Tunnel’s legacy extends beyond its physical structure. From facilitating crucial transportation during World War II to supporting the automotive industry’s supply chain and fostering international commerce, the tunnel has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic and cultural landscape. Today, it stands as a testament to international cooperation and engineering excellence, continuing to serve as a vital link between two great nations.
Pre-construction
Fred W. Martin secured Parsons, Klapp, Brinckerhoff, and Douglas to design the tunnel and guarantee costs; bankers from Detroit, New York, and Chicago backed the project.
Pre-construction
Construction Launch
October 7, 1928 This marked the start of site preparation, including dredging operations for the riverbed trench and the fabrication of tunnel sections on the Canadian side near Sandwich, Ontario.
1928Construction Launch
Cut and Cover
1928 Construction of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel began on both sides using "Cut and Cover," "Shield," and "Trench and Tube" methods.
1928Cut and Cover
Mucker is the Shield section
Mucker is the Shield section
Tube and Trenching
Tube and Trenching
Tunnel Section Installation
Tunnel sections were fabricated and sunk into the dredged trench in the Detroit River. Precision alignment and joining of the nine sections took place during this year. See tube video
1929Tunnel Section Installation
Grand Opening
Mayor Frank Murphy of Detroit and Mayor Cecil E. Jackson of Windsor opening ceremony
November 3, 1930Grand Opening
Ferry Service Ends
1940 Canadian National's boat docks and passenger station in Windsor. The Detroit River car ferry service officially ended on July 18, 1940. The tunnel and bridge provided reliable, year-round crossings for both vehicles and commercial traffic, rendering the ferry obsolete for automobile transport.
1940Ferry Service Ends
20 Years of Operation
1950’s. The tunnel celebrated its 20th year of operation in November 1950. The tunnel handled millions of vehicles annually, reflecting the growth in both tourism and commercial transport.
195020 Years of Operation
1950s Tunnel to Canada
1950s Tunnel to Canada
Tunnel border 1970s - Detroit plaza renovation
Tunnel border 1970s - Detroit plaza renovation
Tile Restoration work 1980s
Tile Restoration work 1980s
HID Lighting Upgrade
In 1994, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel transitioned from traditional incandescent lighting to a high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting system, significantly improving light levels within the tunnel while also providing extended bulb life compared to incandescent technology. This important infrastructure upgrade was planned and implemented under the leadership of Maintenance Manager Joe Bali.
1994HID Lighting Upgrade
2000s Detroit Plaza
2000s Detroit Plaza
LED Lighting Upgrade
In 2011, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel underwent a significant lighting upgrade, transitioning to a modern LED system specifically engineered for tunnel environments using Cooper LED solution. Unlike conventional LED applications designed primarily for nighttime use, the tunnel’s lighting system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring consistent visibility and safety at all times. The design and implementation of this system required extensive research and engineering, led by the Tunnel's Maintenance Director, Trevor Pearce.
2011LED Lighting Upgrade
Ceiling Removal & Replacement
From October 20 to October 30, 2017, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel initiated the removal of the ceiling in the River section, which connects the Detroit and Windsor portions of the tunnel. This work required a full closure of the tunnel for a period of 10 days. Following the initial closure, overnight closures continued from Sunday to Thursday between 8:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. to allow for the installation of the new ceiling. The project was successfully completed in 2020.
2017–2020