doko
binghamton
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This weekend we are heading from Upstate NY to Detroit, MI area and usually would go through Canada, entering in Niagara Falls and entering Michigan at Port Huron. A year ago, we spent 2 hrs. waiting at customs to cross the border and so we are considering alternate route - 90W through Ohio to Toledo and then 75N to Detroit. It is about 2 hrs longer, but if there are still delays at the border, it evens out and rest areas are more frequent in the US. Anyone cross these borders lately? What was your wait time? Any opinions on which route we should take would be appreciated.
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MI Director
Michigan
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Joined: 03/03/2007
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You have I-75 shut down at the bridge for replacement of 2 miles of highway south and north of the bridge and have to use side streets. North of that there are lane closures all the way up to I-696. There has not been to much said about delays lately on the news. It all depends on the day of the week and time of day you cross.
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curt12914
Northern NY State
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The good thing about going by Toledo is that it's pretty easy to stop at Cabelas in Dundee. It's a great break and we always leave with less weight in our wallet and more stuff in our rig.
My favorite Cabelas story is about a friend who was going to the Michigan NASCAR race (which is next weekend) with us. He had never heard of Cabelas, so I sent him a catalog. He told me he would go with me, but was sure there was nothing he would be interested in.
Since we couldn't get into the campground at the track until the next morning, we planned on staying at Cabels overnight (they welcome RV's for overnight parking). We went in to the store for a couple hours that day and he spent $400. The next morning he wanted to go back in before we left.
Sorry for the rambling.........
Don't forget that fuel is much more expensive in Ontario, border wait times are up (both ways), and there is always a chance of a "Secondary inspection" at customs that can hold you up for hours. I would bet you could easily wait an hour at Niagara Falls and an hour at Detroit customs on busy days.
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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If you choose to go 90 to Toledo I would advise picking up US-23 in Toledo and take that north into Michigan (I-75 in Detroit is closed)...Us-23 will then cross I-75 up near Flint, MI
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Erie Tom
Willoughby, ohio
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No Problems or construction From Cleveland to Up State NY. Dewey throughway is good. The other route I86 out of Erie Pa to Binghamton is bouncy to say the least. Speed drops to 55 in PA for about 10 miles around Erie. I86 is Good road but the seams in the road can get to your. Your can put the clothes in a soap bucket and the would be washed by the time you got to Binghamton on this route. I can say it is senic though
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MichDoc
Michigan
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I've gone both routes, and prefer the direct route through Canada. You can have delays even if you aren't crossing the border - traffic accidents, construction, etc. - so there's no guarantee you won't get held up going I-90. Also, depending on exactly where in the Detroit area you are going, you will probably avoid a lot of traffic congestion staying north of Detroit rather than going right through it. Finally, if you hit a line at the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, you can always drive down along the river to Sombra, Ontario, and take the ferry to Marine City, MI, and continue your trip from there. The ferry's are big enough to handle the largest RV's on the road, along with several semi's as well, so that's not a problem.
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RamblinFever
Ontario, Canada
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We always cross at Port Huron and have waited up to an hour. It depends on time of day and day of week. We find early to mid morning is best but coming from NY state I suspect that you are crossing later in the day.
Interesting comment on the Sombra ferry. I have not gone that way in years and recall that ferry as carrying about 6 cars. I try that if we hit a long line to Port Huron.
Canadian fuel cost should not be an issue as you can cross southern Ontario on less than a tank.
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RamblinFever
Ontario, Canada
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MichDoc wrote: Finally, if you hit a line at the Blue Water Bridge in Sarnia, you can always drive down along the river to Sombra, Ontario, and take the ferry to Marine City, MI, and continue your trip from there. The ferry's are big enough to handle the largest RV's on the road, along with several semi's as well, so that's not a problem.
I found that the ferry charge is $6 for an automobile. Do you remember what you paid for an RV?
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doko
binghamton
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Thanks so much everyone for the good info and suggestions. We really appreciate it. One last question, if we take 75N toward Detroit and then 275N to Novi, do we miss the closures on 75 that were mentioned? Thanks again.
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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doko wrote:Thanks so much everyone for the good info and suggestions. We really appreciate it. One last question, if we take 75N toward Detroit and then 275N to Novi, do we miss the closures on 75 that were mentioned? Thanks again.
Yes you miss the closures but only if you continue taking I-96 west towards US-23 north and continuing on up until you connect again with I-75 near Flint...
Like I previously mentioned if you are taking the toll road to I-75 near Toledo, OH instead of exiting the toll road on I-75 exit the toll road on US-23 and take north into Michigan...
Where exactly are you heading in Michigan so maybe we can give you specific directions?
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