Windsor-Detroit Tunnel marks 96 years of operation

The Windsor-Detroit Tunnel reached its 96th anniversary on Tuesday, marking nearly a century of continuous service as an underwater link between the two border cities.

The structure opened to traffic on November 3, 1930, following a 26-month construction period. Engineers built the tunnel by placing nine immersed steel tube sections on the bottom of the Detroit River. At the time of its inauguration, it was the first international underwater vehicle tunnel in the world.

Tunnel staff distributed commemorative items to customers crossing the tunnel on Tuesday. These gifts were available while supplies lasted.

Tal Czudner, the tunnel's chief executive officer, attributed the crossing's enduring value to the deep economic and social ties between Windsor and Detroit. He noted that many residents have used the tunnel for decades to travel for work, social events, and milestones.

"A lot of Windsorites have made it to Detroit to celebrate championship parades and teams. A lot of people had a rite of passage in the Michigan area. They’d come over and they’d celebrate their 19th birthday in Windsor," Czudner said.

Morning remains the peak travel period for the tunnel. Czudner stated that the busiest hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., driven primarily by commuters living in Windsor and Essex County who work in Detroit.

Traffic volumes have decreased by 12 to 13 percent since the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Czudner expects this decline to narrow to single digits by early next year. He cited the Windsor International Film Festival, which is occurring this week, as an opportunity to attract American visitors to the region.

The tunnel is four years away from its 100th anniversary in 2030. The original opening ceremony in 1930 included Mayor Cecil Jackson of Windsor and Mayor Frank Murphy of Detroit among the attending dignitaries.