The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has officially opened the $258m Gateway Project at the US / Canada boarder in Detroit, Michigan.

The project, implemented at the I-75 and I-96 interchange, involved the construction of a series of freeway ramps designed to ease traffic congestion to and from the Ambassador Bridge, which is the most heavily travelled international border crossing between the US and Canada.

US Transportation secretary Ray LaHood said that the improvements will reduce congestion and improve commerce and livability for Detroit residents well into the future.

The new access and outlet ramps built between I-75, I-96 and the Ambassador Bridge are expected to reduce traffic from local streets by an estimated 10,000 vehicles.

As well as improving traffic flow across south-western Detroit, the Gateway Project will provide travellers with better access to an international welcome centre and pedestrian bridge.

"US Transportation secretary Ray LaHood said that the improvements will reduce congestion and improve commerce and livability for Detroit residents well into the future."

Federal Highway administrator, Victor Mendez, said that the quality of life for people in the community will improve with the elimination of a major traffic chokepoint around the neighbourhood.

"This project created good jobs for workers and is the latest chapter in Detroit’s ongoing renaissance," Mendez added.

The project, which was conceived to streamline traffic coming in and out of Canada through the Ambassador Bridge, commenced in 2007, and received federal funding of $202m.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Detroit International Bridge, the owner of Ambassador Bridge, signed an agreement in 2004 to complete the project. However, legal battles between the two parties delayed construction.