- Officials Have Scheduled A Gordie Howe Bridge Opening. Will Trump Block It?
- Kapsch Will Deploy And Maintain Three New Zealand Toll Systems
- Dallas Toll Agency Must Find Substitute For State Trooper Services
- Ohio Turnpike Continues Summer Customer Appreciation Days Tradition
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Officials Have Scheduled A Gordie Howe Bridge Opening. Will Trump Block It?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (LPC) today confirmed there is a plan to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge “at the end of the week.” He called the span a “symbol of, but also a fact of co-operation between [Canada and the US]” that will benefit citizens of both countries. Although Carney didn’t specify dates, several sources have told reporters that a ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Friday, June 12, followed by the span’s opening to traffic on Monday, June 15.
Bridge officials say that final commissioning activity is wrapping up. US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently told a congressional committee that customs and border security personnel are in place on the American side of the span. Despite these indications that opening preparations are nearly complete, it’s been widely reported that the delay in the bridge’s opening is due as much to Trump administration demands for trade and toll-sharing concessions from Canada and lobbying by owners of the rival Ambassador Bridge as it is to systems approval or staffing issues.
So far, neither US nor Canadian representatives have publicly discussed the status of their negotiations. Mr. Carney declined to comment today on whether Canada made any concessions to secure Trump’s approval for the bridge’s opening. After Mr. Carney’s remarks today, a White House official commented that the “president’s position on the Gordie Howe Bridge has not changed.” That’s led to speculation that Trump might still be intent on blocking an opening plan.
Last month, US sources said FHWA would not authorize traffic to cross the bridge without White House approval.
Sources: BNN Bloomberg, The Detroit News, CBC News
Canada Detroit Int'l Bridge Company (Ambassador Bridge) Gordie Howe Int'l Bridge Michigan Ontario US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Windsor-Detroit Bridge AuthorityKapsch Will Deploy And Maintain Three New Zealand Toll Systems
Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), has chosen Kapsch TrafficCom to design, supply, install, commission, and test three video-based tolling systems. The combined value of Kapsch’s contracts is more than NZD 8.5 million (USD 4.95 million). Delivery timelines extend from late 2026 through early 2028.
Kapsch will deploy the systems on the Tauranga Eastern Link, the Takitimu North Link Stage 1, and the Ō Mahurangi-Penlink connector, facilities located on the country’s North Island. The technology will be based on Kapsch barrier-free toll solutions already in use in New Zealand. Following implementation, Kapsch will provide Level 2 and Level 3 maintenance and support services to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.
Source: Kapsch news release
ETC Systems Kapsch New Zealand Open-Road Tolling Procurement of Tolling Equipment & ServicesDallas Toll Agency Must Find Substitute For State Trooper Services
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) has to make new arrangements for the policing of its extensive highway network beginning this fall. The director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the state police agency, informed NTTA he will not renew an agreement that expires on August 31, 2026, that dedicated state troopers to coverage of Dallas-Ft. Worth area toll roads. The director’s letter stated that his decision followed a “comprehensive assessment of our statewide operational requirements” and a determination that the force needs to preserve flexibility to deploy its personnel and resources.
DPS will continue to enforce traffic laws and investigate crashes after August, at no expense to NTTA, to ensure that there is no lapse in services. Both agencies stated they are working to make the transition to a new policing contract as smooth as possible.
Sources: The Dallas Morning News, WFAA News
Dallas-Ft. Worth Metro Region (DFW) Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Safety (Includes COVID-19 Impacts) North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) TexasOhio Turnpike Continues Summer Customer Appreciation Days Tradition
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) is once again hosting summertime customer appreciation days. The events, which take place at a different service plaza once each month, offer travelers an enjoyable rest break that includes food and memento giveaways and family-friendly activities. At the same time, OTIC staff get an opportunity to interact with customers and promote messages about highway safety and human trafficking awareness.
This year’s first event took place last month. The next ones are scheduled for June 18, at the Vermilion Valley plaza; July 2, at the Portage plaza; August 7, at the Blue Heron plaza; and September 4, at the Erie Islands plaza. A fall event, the last of the year, is scheduled for November 25, at the Middle Ridge plaza.
Source: Cleveland.com
Customer Service Experience Ohio Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission Public Outreach And Communication Service PlazasSubscription Information
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