'Extremely frustrating,' yet another delay for Detroit-Windsor Tunnel construction

The end date for construction at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel has been delayed again, now to the end of December.

After unexpected project developments, the reopening was moved to Oct. 30. But according toNealBelitsky, tunnel president and CEO on the U.S. side of the border, more construction is necessary.

"The contractor needs some additional time because of the additional work we've added on to the project."

Details as to what that extra work entails is unclear.

"The entire process has been extremely frustrating for myself and the entire tunnel board," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, addingthe city merely funds the project and doesn't have the ability to push the contractor to work faster.

The project was initially expected to be completed in June after closing in fall 2017.

However, once the ceiling was down, workers realized the new hangers which would support the new roofing were larger than the hangers used previously.

The necessary next step was toremove a central rack which houses important tunnel safetylinesthat include a fire alarm system and carbon dioxide monitors.

Even though the project has been delayed several times, Dilkensthinks they will meet the new December deadline after having seen the construction in the tunnel recently.

"I'mmore confident now having gone through in the past week and seeing the actual work starting to take form," he said.

More from CBC Windsor: