Building Connections: The Gordie Howe Bridge Project Progresses

The under construction Gordie Howe International Bridge Project is entering an exciting phase as the team has started the final steps to connect the bridge deck over the Detroit River. This moment marks an important milestone, bringing the long-awaited project closer to reality.

Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has reached its busiest phase, and it is now gearing up for a momentous occasion. By the end of June 2024, both bridge decks will finally connect, forging a direct link between the United States and Canada through Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. This long-awaited milestone, elevated 46 meters above the Detroit River, signifies a significant step in bringing the two countries closer together.

Twenty-seven pre-designed deck segments, each about 15 meters long and 37.5 meters wide, are being carefully launched from both sides of the river. Supported by parallel stay cables along the tower, these segments are being meticulously placed one by one, highlighting the precision and dedication involved in this monumental project.

The dedicated crews at Bridging North America (BNA) are now working tirelessly on the final preparations for the mid-span closure, the last section of the bridge that will span less than 11 meters. This moment is one of the most exciting and crucial in the construction of any stay cable bridge, bringing the project closer to completion.

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According to David Henderson, CEO of Bridging North America, the final piece isn’t like the others that snap into place quickly. It’s custom-made, carefully crafted to fit perfectly. After it’s shaped, it’s trimmed down and adjusted as needed, especially considering how the temperature might affect it.

“The bridge deck connection marks a milestone in progress on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project,” said Charles van Niekerk, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). “This new bridge is a powerful representation of the international collaboration that exists between neighboring communities in Windsor and Detroit, in Ontario and Michigan, and across North America.”

Once connected, the bridge deck will stretch 853 meters (0.53 miles), making it the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America and the 10th longest in the world. It will also set a record as the longest composite steel and concrete bridge deck of its kind in the world.

The bridge showcases a gentle curve, anchored by sleek towers on either bank. These striking towers, each rising 220 meters high, support a fan-like array of 216 cables—108 on each side—creating impressive gateways that extend the bridge deck across the river. The deck arches gracefully above the water, seamlessly blending into the side spans at both ends. Each side span is reinforced by 27 pairs of stay cables and three pairs of auxiliary piers, equipped with tie-downs that channel the loads directly into the ground.

Also Read: Gordie Howe International Bridge Longest Cable-Stayed Bridge in North America

“We’ve brought together engineering brilliance and artistic beauty in a truly elegant design,” remarked Erik Behrens, the architect behind the bridge from AECOM. “What makes this cable-stayed bridge visually striking is its remarkably slim deck, which, combined with the delicate arrangement of stay cables, creates a sense of airy lightness and transparency. The white cables form captivating moiré patterns that shift with every angle, giving the structure a dynamic and sculptural presence,” Behrens explained.

“From the very start of this project, our aim has been to create something truly remarkable that captures the imagination and inspires awe,” said Behrens. “We’ve poured our hearts into refining every aspect of this bridge’s design. Our focus was on concealing utilities within the sleek deck and tower structure, ensuring its form remains elegant and uncluttered.”

“The public will need to wait a little longer to experience the beauty of this new landmark. There’s still some work to do. BNA’s teams are busy tensioning the stay cables, laying down road surfaces, installing barriers, and setting up a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. We’re also finalizing the technical and electrical systems that are crucial for the bridge’s safe operation.”

“We’re particularly excited about the lighting design, which will transform the bridge into a stunning piece of nighttime art,” Behrens continued. “In the months ahead, we’ll collaborate with a lighting artist to create captivating light shows that will further elevate this structure into a symbol of beauty and innovation.”

“Expected to be completed by fall 2025, the project includes customs facilities on both borders and a new interchange connecting to Interstate 75 in the U.S. This six-lane bridge will significantly boost capacity for international trade and travel, opening up new opportunities for economic growth in the region.”

“Named after the legendary Canadian Detroit Red Wings player Gordie Howe, the bridge celebrates the shared hockey legacy between two nations. The design of the towers, resembling Gordie’s iconic hockey stick mid-slapshot from certain angles, pays homage to ‘Mr. Hockey’s’ enduring impact and power on the ice.”

Status: Construction on the bridge commenced in 2018, and it is slated for completion by September 2025, with the inaugural vehicle crossings expected in the fall of that year.