Improvements to the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel plaza on the Canadian side are completed, say federal and provincial government officials.

This $35-million project is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments under the Let’s Get Windsor-Essex Moving strategy.

The changes are expected to accommodate current and future traffic volumes and promote the use of the NEXUS program, while removing the tunnel queues from city streets.

“The improvements to the Canadian plaza of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel will improve efficiency at this critical border crossing and contribute to the economic well-being of Windsor, the region and the province,” says Essex MP Jeff Watson.

Upgrades include new vehicle access lanes, new buildings for the Canada Border Services Agency and tunnel maintenance, new inspection booths for truck and passenger vehicle processing, and a reconfiguration of the duty-free parking area, municipal parking lots and existing intersections.

Construction began in September 2012, following an environmental study and detail design.

Coco Paving Inc. completed the $16.6-million construction contract.