Officials from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border gathered to celebrate the latest achievement in the ongoing construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge with the work to connect the bridge deck between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan now complete and the bridge becoming an official border crossing.
Joined by the U.S. Federal Highway Administrator, Shailen Bhatt, the Mayor of Windsor, senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, local elected officials and project team members, Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer represented Canada and Michigan respectively as co-owners of the public bridge.
“Canada and the United States have always done big things, together. As the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of just that. Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Since June 14, 2024, when the now iconic photograph was taken of a Canadian ironworker and an American ironworker shaking hands atop a beam 46 m/150 ft above the Detroit River, workers have completed the overall connection process by installing the remaining steel beams and precast concrete panels.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a symbol of the friendship between Michigan and Canada and a testament to what’s possible when we work together. As we celebrate the completion of the bridge deck, let’s thank the ironworkers, operating engineers, and countless other Michiganders and Canadians who are working hard to get it done. Because of our effective collaboration on this bridge, commerce will flow, commuters will get to work and back home, and both of our economies will continue to grow. Let’s take a moment to celebrate and then stay focused on getting the job done,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The celebration not only recognized this phase of bridge construction and its new designation, but also served to acknowledge the over 20 years of collaboration, cooperation and commitment exercised by the various project partners to advance the Gordie Howe International Bridge to its current state.
“Making connections is what the Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about. While we celebrate the physical deck connection today, it gives us the opportunity to look to the very near future when we will see truck drivers make their way to deliver their freight to market, commuters heading to work and back home again, and tourists enjoying the views that bond our two countries from the multi-use path. We look forward to opening for business in fall 2025,” said Charl van Niekerk, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).
Measuring 853 metres/0.53 miles, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and tenth longest in the world. It is the first new crossing to connect Ontario and Michigan in more than 60 years and will contribute to economic growth by strengthening the fluidity and resiliency at the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor, seamlessly connecting North America.
“We are excited to celebrate the connection of the bridge deck, a major achievement in completing the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We could not have done this without the thousands of dedicated skilled trades people and engineers whose commitment to safety and quality is paramount,” said David Henderson, CEO, Bridging North America (BNA).
Bridging North America, a joint venture between Fluor, ACS Infrastructure Canada and Aecon Group Inc., are building the bridge for the WDBA.
Approximately one year of work remains to complete the bridge construction as the focus shifts from the deck to the bridge surface. Upon completion, Fluor and ACS will operate and maintain the facility for 30 years for the WDBA.
“I am thrilled to celebrate the connection of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which represents the strong ties between Detroit and Windsor, and the US and Canada. Over twenty years of collaboration and dedication have led us to this important milestone, and FHWA is proud to stand together with the many partners who made this bridge a reality,” said Shailen Bhatt, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
In addition to the bridge, progress at the Canadian and US Ports of Entry continues with all buildings and structures at advanced construction stages.
Work is advancing on the Michigan Interchange with construction of the pedestrian bridges and ramps connecting I-75 in Detroit to the US Port of Entry, creating, for the first time, a direct highway-to-highway link to Highway 401 in Windsor.
“It is appropriate that the handshake between U.S. and Canadian ironworkers became an instantly iconic photo because it both symbolizes the partnership between Michigan and Canada and pays tribute to the hardworking men and women laboring to build this vital trade connection. I look forward to continuing the work and celebrating completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in 2025,” said Bradley C. Wieferich, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) .
Featured image: (Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority)
