one lane in each direction and not allowing large trucks. Historically, the tunnel carried a smaller amount of commercial traffic than other nearby crossings because of physical and cargo restraints, as well as limits on accessing roadways. Passenger automobile traffic on the tunnel increased from 1972, until it peaked in 1999 at just under 10 million vehicle crossings annually. After 1999, automobile crossings on tunnel declined, dropping under 5 million for the first time in over three decades in 2007. Traffic on the tunnel later recovered slightly in the following years when the economy began to improve after 2008. Tolls Tolls were last increased on the Canadian side in July 2021, 37% for those using Canadian currency and 11% using American currency. Standard tolls for non-commercial Canada-bound vehicles are $5 USD and $6.25 CAD; United States-bound tolls are also $5 USD but $6.50 CAD. For frequent crossers, the Nexpress Toll Card for cheaper rates. Commercial vehicles and buses are charged higher rates. Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are prohibited. Features Tunnel truck for disabled vehicles When the tunnel first opened in the 1930s the operators had a unique rescue vehicle to tow out disabled vehicles without having to back in or turn around to perform this role. The vehicle had two drivers, one facing in the opposite direction of the other. The vehicle was driven in, the disabled vehicle was hooked up, then the driver facing the other way drove it out. This emergency vehicle also had of water hose with power drive and chemical fire extinguishers. CKLW, WJR and the tunnel In the late 1960s, Windsor radio station CKLW AM 800 engineered a wiring setup which has allowed the station's signal to be heard clearly by automobiles traveling through the tunnel. Currently Detroit radio station WJR AM 760 can be heard clearly in the tunnel. Ventilation The upper and lower levels of the tunnel are used as exhaust and intake air ducts. One hundred-foot ventilation towers on both ends of the tunnel enable air exchange once every 90 seconds. Photo gallery See also Ambassador Bridge Gordie Howe International Bridge, a second bridge crossing currently under construction Detroit International Riverfront Transportation in metropolitan Detroit Detroit–Windsor References External links Windsor Detroit Borderlink Limited (Windsor Plaza) Detroit Windsor Tunnel LLC (Detroit Plaza) Tunnel Bus Windsor International Airport – wiki Windsor International Airport – official website Camera of the tunnel Detroit News archives: The