Update on Gordie-Howe International Bridge

This month, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) posted a video highlighting the Canadian Port of Entry (POE). Ongoing preparatory activities have significantly changed the landscape and they recently launched a drone to capture the latest changes.

Here are some facts about the bridge construction:

• 3 Consultant teams are preparing proposals to build and operate the bridge; these teams are essentially a consortium of international companies who will submit proposals later this year with awards in 2018; construction will commence in late 2018
• Once construction commences, it will take 4 years to complete
• The U.S. POE will encompass 148 acres; the Canadian side will encompass 135 acres; all collections will take place on the Canadian side
• 1 Million tons of gravel have been placed on the Canadian side and the freeway connection to Highway 401 is complete along with utility relocation
• The bridge will have a life design expectancy of 125 years and will be 6 lanes (3 in each direction) with a bike/walking lane
• Once completed, it will be one of the top 5 bridges in North America based on bridge span length from land to land
• The bridge spires or supports will be 80-90 feet taller than the Detroit Renaissance Center … and with these last two points, will make the bridge a tourist attraction

• Canada and the U.S. are the world’s largest trading partners at $782 billion annually; Michigan-Canadian trade is 18% of that or $140 billion
• 9 Million U.S. jobs are supported by trade between the countries