DETROIT (AP) - The Michigan Department of Transportation has cleared a hurdle as it moves to acquire property for construction of a $2.1 billion bridge across the Detroit River between Canada and the U.S.

The Detroit Free Press reports (http://on.freep.com/1MQZCZI ) Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun’s companies granted permission for MDOT to access property in Detroit so the agency can conduct a survey and perform other work. MDOT had sought a court order for access.

Michael Samhat, president of Moroun’s Crown Enterprises, says he granted permission the day after an MDOT attorney set a 24-hour deadline.

The Canadian-financed Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open in 2020.

Moroun wants to build a bridge across the Detroit River next to the Ambassador Bridge. His lawyers have sought to stop construction of the competing span.

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