This includes 44.5% of freight traffic previously relying on nearby alternative routes.
Law enforcement officials emphasized safety and preparation for motorists during the initial opening period.
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“Whether you're attending the opening events or simply traveling through the area, please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and be patient with fellow motorists,” Michigan State Police said.
Local officials expressed optimism regarding the potential reduction of commercial truck congestion on residential side streets near the border zone.
“I hope it's an improvement for sure,” said Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero, whose district includes southwest Detroit.
Santiago-Romero noted the intentional infrastructure design intended to route heavy vehicles away from residential areas.
“I hope with the way that it was built out, going directly to the freeways, keeping the routes outside of our neighborhoods should be helpful.
So exciting and a little daunting,” Santiago-Romero said.
Community advocates highlighted that while long-distance freight will shift to freeway connections, localized industrial traffic remains a key factor for neighborhood air quality.
“All places in the neighborhood are not the same,” said Simone Sagovac, director of the nonprofit Southwest Detroit Community Benefits.
“Residents in Delray near the new customs plaza will have to deal with up to 10,000 trucks a day.”
Sagovac pointed out that surrounding industrial facilities will continue generating local vehicular traffic outside the main freeway corridor.
“It won't be long-distance trucks already on the highway to the bridge, but trucks from the local industries,” Sagovac said.
