One of the most vital trade routes in North America has reopened.
The Detroit International Bridge Company reported late Sunday night that the Ambassador Bridge had been reopened to full traffic flow, after a protest which snarled the Windsor side of the span was cleared Sunday.
A statement from the Detroit International Bridge Company announces the reopening of the Ambassador Bridge to traffic, February 13, 2022.
Traffic on the span had been greatly reduced since the protest began Monday. Transport trucks and other vehicles had blockaded Huron Church Road to protest vaccine mandates. During that time, no traffic entered Canada from the United States, and a lane was left open heading into Detroit for emergency vehicles.
ALERT: Normal border processing has resumed at the Ambassador Bridge. Non-essential travel is not advised. https://t.co/ZWeKbKZQ7B pic.twitter.com/NbypRTG0yA
— Border Services SOR (@CanBorderSOR) February 14, 2022
To end the stalemate, Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency Friday morning, which gave law enforcement additional powers to disperse protests in Detroit and Ottawa. The City of Windsor, along with two international auto associations, filed for and was granted an injunction to order protestors to clear the area.
Police began enforcing the injunction on Saturday, until most of the protestors had left by Sunday morning. The road was finally cleared by early Sunday evening, and police had made a handful of arrests.
Windsor Police Chief Pam Mizuno thanked all law enforcement officers who ensured a peaceful end to the protest.
I am very thankful for today's peaceful outcome. This would not have been possible without the professionalism & dedication of all our policing partners & WPS members and the hard work and incredible support from all our other partners & the community. My sincere thanks to all.
— Chief Pam Mizuno (@PamMizuno) February 14, 2022
More to come.
