Oct 21, 2007 Detroit Windsor Tunnel - The Only Underwater Mile By Doug Kurtis

Since the Free Press Marathon’s inception, the Detroit Windsor Tunnel has been part of the course with only two exceptions. Each year the Tunnel has been a proud partner of the Marathon and enjoys the opportunity to stage the only international underwater mile. It makes the race unique.

In 1978, both the Ambassador Bridge and the Tunnel were supposed to be part of the course. Unfortunately, final approvals were not in place and the Bridge backed out. Free Press publisher, Neal Shine sat in the Tunnel office and refused to leave until an agreement was worked out.

His deal meant American side runners would be bused to Windsor. That arrangement stayed in place until 1999. The race has been international every year except 1993 (for Tunnel repairs) and 2001 due to 9/11.

Jim Fredette, tunnel operation supervisor has been involved with the marathon the last five years. He said employees enjoy and look forward to marathon day. “It’s fun and something a little different ; out of the ordinary. We ensure that everything is set up properly but add a little incentive by supplying coffee and donuts to all of the crew. Everyone takes pride in making our part run smoothly.”

The Tunnel ensures that all the walls are washed, the plaza is spotless and the 8 mile marker is in place. One of the concerns runners have is the air quality in the Tunnel. According to Fredette, “There are two large air moving fans at both sides of the tunnel that change the air every 90 seconds.” Of course there is no motorized traffic except for the lead runner vehicles, but that has no effect.

No motorcycles are allowed in the tunnel but an exception was made last year for the lead marathon woman.
Runners may feel a little warm with all the runners sweating once they are in the tunnel. It’s a nice feeling on a cool day but runners might want to hang onto their hats and gloves until later in the race.

The Tunnel’s main concern is closing and opening on time. Some years, special arrangements have to be made for a dignitary like Governor Granholm or Mayor Kilpratrick. “We close down the Tunnel for almost three hours and work to have it open by 10 am for regular traffic. If runners are making a reasonable effort to get into the Tunnel by 9:45, we can get everything cleaned up for our customers.”

As runners exit the tunnel at Jefferson Avenue and Randolph they experience one to the best cheering sections on the course. It’s a very uplifting welcoming committee. Fredette said he handles the Windsor side of the tunnel while another supervisor takes care of the U.S.

The Tunnel is half owned by the City of Windsor and half by Detroit. First opened to traffic on November 3, 1930, construction took 26 months and cost $23,000,000. It was the first vehicular subway ever built between two nations.