WINDSOR, Ont. (WWJ) – Those looking to cross the border into Canada Monday evening are facing long delays, as Canadians protest COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Demonstrators were making things difficult for traffic entering Canada via the Ambassador Bridge, which links Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The Ambassador Bridge, a major route for trucking, is one of the busiest international crossings between the U.S. and Canada.
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced shortly before 8 p.m. the bridge was closed.
Around 7:30 p.m., the WWJ Traffic Center reported roughly four-hour delays at the border for Canada-bound traffic, prior to MDOT's announcement.
Prior to the full closure, traffic had been getting through across the bridge, though protesters were blocking traffic along Huron Church Road, where traffic exits the bridge, making for a very congested scene.
Officials were telling non-commercial traffic entering Canada to use the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, while trucks were being told to divert to the Blue Water Bridge, linking Port Huron and Sarnia, Ontario.
WWJ Traffic's KT reported there was about a half-hour delay at the Blue Water Bridge.
Protesters blocked the Blue Water Bridge on Sunday in similar fashion.
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Protesters are supporting the "Freedom Convoy" movement started by truck drivers in Canada who drove to the capitol building in Ottawa more than a week ago and are blocking roads with vehicles and tents in an attempt to spark conversation with the government.
Currently, the Canadian government requires anyone entering the country to be fully vaccinated against the virus.
Photos on social media show long lines of trucks on the bridge and demonstrators gathering in the street, some even playing street hockey.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest coverage on this developing story, including traffic updates every 10 minutes on the :08s.
