American Roads

#takethetunnel

Expect border delays due to Microsoft issues, July 19th

Detroit Windsor Tunnel – LED Upgrade The HID (high-intensity discharge) lighting in the Detroit ventilation building was upgraded to LED lighting as part of a Michigan utility grant program. The LED lighting offers several benefits, including increased efficiency and a maintenance-free lifespan of over 15 years. The project received a grant of $4,543.77, with an additional company investment of $931.00. The estimated total lifetime savings cost is approximately $78,540.00!

Madelyn Repzynski (a student at Jacksonville State University) is currently interning with American Roads documenting Freedom Pass Toll Collection Software. This role has given her the valuable opportunity to investigate established code and familiarize herself with a new programming language. Once documentation is completed, she will assist with a software migration so that all American Roads assets can operate on the same platform. Madelyn has been able to gain significant insights into the intricacies of large programming projects.   Madelyn is also a member of the trumpet line in the Marching Southerners at Jacksonville State University. The group had the opportunity to travel to France to take part in the commemoration of D-Day in multiple performances. “It was an honor to perform at the Brittany American Cemetery with many talented groups,” said Madelyn. One thing she will never forget from that day is the request the speaker made: find someone’s grave, and make sure they are never forgotten.

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel #takethetunnel

Richard Kozik had the honor of being the last customer to pass through the Beach Express Toll Plaza. He has been a member of American Roads/Baldwin County Bridge Company’s IT staff since 2007 as Systems Administrator Coincidentally, Richard’s late mother Diana Butler had managed to be the first to cross the Foley Beach Express when it opened in June, 2000. Diana had worked for the local law firm that negotiated the agreements for the Bridge. As a legal secretary working with the attorneys and clients who built the Foley Beach Express, Diana was instrumental in producing and filing legal documents for every stage of the project from land acquisition and deeds to final business agreements between the builders, financiers, and state and local officials. At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Foley Beach Express, Diana and others involved in orchestrating the new privately funded infrastructure project were honored to be the first to drive their vehicles over the bridge. In her characteristic fun-loving and energetic style, Diana challenged her boss to a good-natured “race” to the top. He was gracious enough to allow her the victory, in which she found herself leading the pack across the new bridge. “Being chosen to drive the last vehicle to close the bridge operation that my late mother helped build and open is an honor,” said Richard. “My mother Diana was a Baldwin County girl through and through with a rich history in the community.”

For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.. Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Thank you Nurses!! #nursesweek #takethetunnel

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel Maintenance Group tasked with researching creative ways to add murals to the large planter boxes placed around the toll plaza to serve as safety barriers. Staff reached out to a local Detroit artist who did the mural on the side of the operation’s building. He provided few designs and staff used ChatGPT to create some alternative options. The designs were shared with the Michigan staff were asked to vote for their favorites. A local company converted the designs to vinyl wrapped aluminum, these were mounted to be secure and removable. Plexiglass was placed over the wrap to increase the longevity.