AMBASSADOR GATEWAY

MDOT’s I-75 Ambassador Bridge Gateway project provided the complete transformation of the busiest international border crossing in North America. It was designed to allow direct connections between the freeway system and the Ambassador Bridge. The entire project involved the closure of two major freeways, the construction of the state’s first
cable-stayed bridge and HOV lanes, and reconstruction of the mainline and ramps on I-75 and I-96.

Toebe Construction served as the prime contractor for Contract 4, which was the largest and most complicated contract of the Ambassador Gateway project. The $174 million project included 2.66 miles of concrete freeway reconstruction and new concrete construction along I-75 from Clark Street to Rosa Parks Boulevard. The project involved the construction of eight new bridges, reconstruction or rehabilitation of 10 other bridges, more than 40 new retaining walls, the cable-stayed pedestrian bridge and new direct access ramps linking the freeways with the Ambassador Bridge. Contract 4 also included the reconstruction of the I-75/I-96 interchange and I-96 north to Warren Avenue. This reconstruction included vertical and horizontal clearance improvements, superelevation corrections, and the conversion of raised shoulders to flush shoulders. Each of these modifications was scrutinized closely for potential conflicts with existing bridge struts and footings and multiple utility crossings within the project limits.