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Ambassador Bridge

The Ambassador Bridge is a privately owned suspension bridge that carries road traffic across the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Ambassador Bridge is a privately owned suspension bridge that carries road traffic across the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It is controlled by the Moroun family through the Detroit International Bridge Company in the United States and the Canadian Transit Company in Canada. The bridge is one of the most important commercial border crossings between Canada and the United States.

Ownership

The bridge was acquired by Manuel Moroun in 1979 after shares became available. Ownership is organized through the Detroit International Bridge Company on the U.S. side and the Canadian Transit Company on the Canadian side, both controlled by the Moroun family.

Role in cross-border trade

The Ambassador Bridge is a major route for commercial traffic between Detroit and Windsor and is widely described as one of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the United States.

Family control and succession

Manuel Moroun was the longtime owner until his death in 2020. His son Matthew Moroun inherited control of the bridge and related transportation businesses.

Public controversy

Because the bridge is privately owned, it has been the subject of disputes involving access, regulation, congestion, and the role of a private company in a strategic international crossing.

Key facts

  • The Ambassador Bridge links Detroit and Windsor and is privately owned rather than owned by a government.
  • Manuel 'Matty' Moroun bought the bridge in 1979 and later controlled it through bridge companies on both sides of the border.
  • After Manuel Moroun's death in 2020, control passed to his son, Matthew Moroun.
  • The bridge is a major trade corridor for Canada–United States commercial traffic.
  • The bridge's private ownership has often been a source of public controversy and political debate.
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Canadian context

The bridge directly connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, and is a major artery for Canada–U.S. trade, making it especially relevant to Canadian motorists, shippers, and border policy debates.[6][10][17]

Frequently asked questions

Who owns the Ambassador Bridge?
The bridge is privately owned by the Moroun family through the Detroit International Bridge Company and the Canadian Transit Company.
Who bought the Ambassador Bridge?
Manuel 'Matty' Moroun bought control of the bridge in 1979 after shares became available.
Who owns it now?
After Manuel Moroun died in 2020, control passed to his son, Matthew Moroun.
Is the Ambassador Bridge government-owned?
No. It is one of the few privately owned border crossings between Canada and the United States.
Why is the bridge important?
It is a major commercial crossing for trade between Detroit and Windsor and is widely described as a key part of Canada–U.S. freight movement.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassador_Bridge
    Supports: Privately owned bridge; ownership structure; Moroun acquisition in 1979; operating companies.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_Moroun
    Supports: Manuel Moroun as owner of the Ambassador Bridge and purchase history.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Moroun
    Supports: Matthew Moroun as current controller after 2020 succession.
  4. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/self-made-billionaire-and-owner-of-the-ambassador-bridge-dies-at-93-1.5647819
    Supports: Manuel Moroun as owner; bridge importance to Canada-U.S. traffic; ownership since 1979.
  5. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/trump-gordie-howe-moroun-bridge-lobby-ambassador-ballard-9.7085529
    Supports: Matthew Moroun's role; company structure; Canadian and U.S. sides of the bridge.
  6. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ambassador-bridge-mathew-moroun-convoy-1.6380486
    Supports: Matthew Moroun as owner/chairman; succession from Manuel Moroun; bridge company control.