MDOT completes Gateway Project

(WXYZ) - The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced the completion of the Gateway Project.

Work has been completed on the northbound and southbound ramps to I-75 as well as the eastbound ramp to I-96.

Those ramps could open up this afternoon or evening weather permitting. The official ceremony to open up the Gateway Project will take place on Friday, September 21st at 10:30am.

Speakers will include MDOT Chief Operations Officer Greg Johnson, State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle, State Representative of the 12th District Rashida Tlaib, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez and Lt. Governor Brian Calley.

In April, Judge Prentis Edwards ruled that the portion of the Gateway Project that was the responsibility of the Detroit International Bridge Company must be surrendered to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The court order meant that billionaire businessman Manuel "Matty" Moroun and his aide Dan Stamper must turn the project over to MDOT.

The Bridge Company has been locked in a court battle with MDOT over the project, with both sides arguing over how the project was supposed to be built.

MDOT has been battling with the Bridge Company saying it has not made timely progress toward completing the Gateway Project. MDOT also argued that the Bridge Company changed construction plans so that they could add lucrative gas pumps and a duty free shop.

Officials from the Bridge Company contend they have abided by court orders to complete their work on the ramps leading to the Ambassador Bridge.