WINDSOR — The upgrading of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Canadian Plaza has begun, according to a news release by Transport Canada.

Transport Canada said that the project will ease traffic congestion and improve operations. New integrated primary inspection (IPIL) lanes for trucks are part of the upgrade, as well new vehicle access lanes, new buildings for Border Services staff, and various parking and intersection reconfigurations.

"This project will be constructed by a local company, creating local jobs here in Windsor-Essex," said Teresa Piruzza, MPP for Windsor West. "These improvements will also help our downtown core businesses by reducing congestion on local streets and improving access to their locations."

Traffic on local streets will be maintained throughout the Stage 1 work with tunnel traffic accessing the plaza as usual, Transport Canada said. The project is expected to take two construction seasons to complete.

The project is funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Let's Get Windsor-Essex Moving (LGWEM) strategy, a $300-million commitment for several transportation infrastructure projects to improve efficiency and reduce congestion in Windsor-Essex.

"Ontario's significant investments in our border crossings are allowing people and goods to move between Ontario and Michigan more quickly, saving both time and money and encouraging economic growth," said Dwight Duncan, Ontario Minister of Finance and MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh.