Ok, funny story. Yall know how few people out there play the banjo of course. Crossing into Canada late yesterday night, I got the regular questions including "Any alcohol, tobacco or firearms?". So I gave the honest answer, "No ma'am but I have my banjo with me." That got into a conversation about how she was just starting to learn how to play and I shared a story about my journey. I was elated to meet a new picker. If she sees this it'll be even cooler. Good luck gal!
My friend [a Canadian] was transferring flights at a foreign airport. He had permission to take his zillion dollar Huber as a carry on. At the next airport the 2 officious women at the security desk were obviously leery about him and his banjo. One of them suggested that he open the case and play them a tune. After a few bars of 'Theme Time' at warp speed they were smiling from ear to ear.
Here's an excellent podcast about the bridge: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/640-ambassador-bridge/
I’ve sat in line on that bridge in my truck many times before they streamlined the freight brokers system. I was flabbergasted the first time I heard that the bridge was privately owned - an international bridge owned by one person?? ,,, crazy. Moroun also had a plaza at the Detroit end where he had fuel pumps and a store, but the darn roadbed was rough as all get out. Often there'd be a lane closed for a section while they resurfaced the road, but that was a never-ending issue cuz of high truck traffic volume, the vibration of the old structure, and winter frosts.
Edited by - chuckv97 on 12/14/2025 16:08:09
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Originally posted by chuckv97I’ve sat in line on that bridge in my truck many times before they streamlined the freight brokers system. I was flabbergasted the first time I heard that the bridge was privately owned - an international bridge owned by one person?? ,,, crazy. Moroun also had a plaza at the Detroit end where he had fuel pumps and a store, but the darn roadbed was rough as all get out. Often there'd be a lane closed for a section while they resurfaced the road, but that was a never-ending issue cuz of high truck traffic volume, the vibration of the old structure, and winter frosts.
I crossed for many many years and shared some of that grief. Constant construction and constant slowdowns. Just after 9/11 folks spent sometimes multiple hours waiting to cross. I see that the new bridge is up but isn't open yet. I hope that makes it easier for all the truckers, but I have no idea. Probably politics holding it up, but I'm not going there! The roads around Windsor are totally jacked up though as of late. It's crazy how much has changed in the past few years.
quote:
Originally posted by chuckv97I’ve sat in line on that bridge in my truck many times before they streamlined the freight brokers system. I was flabbergasted the first time I heard that the bridge was privately owned - an international bridge owned by one person?? ,,, crazy. Moroun also had a plaza at the Detroit end where he had fuel pumps and a store, but the darn roadbed was rough as all get out. Often there'd be a lane closed for a section while they resurfaced the road, but that was a never-ending issue cuz of high truck traffic volume, the vibration of the old structure, and winter frosts.
Yeah it's kind of of crazy story. The family also tried to fight the new Gordie Howe bridge that will give us a publicly-owned alternative.
Michigan being so broke at the time that the Canadian feds opted to fund it , partly as a loan. Why not? , Gordie Howe’s from Floral, Saskatchewan! ;-)
Makes me wonder when out governments are gonna "smarten up." Why not sell sections of run-of-the-mill roadway all over the country to private citizens? Without doing any real math, I'm guessing they could all toot-de-sweet be debt-free. What's not to like? 
^^^ the Indiana Toll Road was bought by a private firm from Australia, if I remember right,,, it was in poor shape after that,, rough as all get-out. One of my recaps on the trailer gave way and a big long strip of it flew off into the left lane just missing a car,, over near South Bend.
Edited by - chuckv97 on 12/14/2025 20:58:00
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Originally posted by OwenMakes me wonder when out governments are gonna "smarten up." Why not sell sections of run-of-the-mill roadway all over the country to private citizens? Without doing any real math, I'm guessing they could all toot-de-sweet be debt-free. What's not to like?
Listen to the podcast. Might change your mind.
Been there, done that ^^ before I made my post. The is/was there for a reason ... though I did mull over whether the post was sufficiently outrageous to stand on its own merit (?) or needed the . Ah, well, ya win some, ya lose some etc., etc.
Edited by - Owen on 12/15/2025 08:24:37
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Originally posted by OwenBeen there, done that ^^ before I made my post. The
Gotcha my bad
The Lions Gate Bridge was what opened up this community in 1936. The Guinness Brewing family built the bridge to sell a few hundred lots on the north shore during the great depression. 30 years later the tolls discontinued and we still have the bridge.
It seems a lot of roads in the States, at least on the East Coast, were private toll roads once upon a time. Which explains the presence of parallel, and usually redundant highways in the NY state, New England region.
