The Michigan Department of Transportation has opened the public comment period on a proposal to change the current non-radioactive hazardous materials (NRHM) route restrictions for the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit.
The Detroit International Bridge Co., owner of the Ambassador Bridge, has proposed the following changes: retain existing restrictions for Class 1 (explosives), Division 6.2 (infectious substances), and Class 7 (radioactive materials) from transport over the Ambassador Bridge and allow the transport of Class 3 (flammable liquids) and Class 8 (corrosive substances).
MDOT said in a statement the proposed recommendations address public safety while seeking to ensure continuity of movement and not limit or delay the transportation of hazardous materials. Public input is being sought on the proposed changes.
MDOT said it conducted a study to better understand and evaluate the risks associated with the transportation of NRHM on the Ambassador Bridge from Porter Street in Detroit to Canada should any of the existing restrictions be changed.
Current NRHM route restrictions for the Ambassador Bridge include Class 1 (explosives), Class 3 (flammable liquids), Division 6.2 (infectious substances), Class 7 (radioactive materials), and Class 8 (corrosive substances).
MDOT is the authorized agency responsible for all NRHM routing designations and restrictions or requirements in the state of Michigan. For more information on the study and NRHM, please visit the study webpage and FAQ.
Participants who require mobility, visual, hearing, written, or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at 517-241-7462 or [email protected], preferably at least five business days in advance. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage. Requests made after this timeframe will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible, according to MDOT.
The deadline for public comments is Dec. 23 and may be made by using the online comment form, visiting MDOT's Hazardous Materials Routing webpage, by mail or e-mail to MDOT Public Involvement Specialist and Hearings Officer Monica Monsma at [email protected].
