The clearing of land that will allow for construction of the new publicly-owned bridge between Detroit and Windsor has begun on the U.S. side.

Demolition crews started work on clearing three blighted and abandoned publicly-owned structures on South Post Street, South Crawford Street and Reid Street in southwest Detroit on October 29, 2014. Additional demolition activity will occur over the coming months.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said that “the clearing of land is the latest phase of this exciting project, which is right on track and moving forward.”

The properties were owned by the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority.

The footprint for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection plaza and bridge landing in Michigan is bordered by West Jefferson to the south; Campbell Street to the east; Post Street to the west; and the railroad tracks to the north.

South Crawford Street Photo: Robert Allen / Detroit Free PressSouth Crawford Street Photo: Robert Allen / Detroit Free Press

South Post Street Photo: Robert Allen / Detroit Free PressSouth Post Street Photo: Robert Allen / Detroit Free Press