Ontario Construction News staff writer
After nearly eight years of construction, more than 20 million hours of work and the involvement of more than 15,800 workers, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to traffic today, marking the completion of one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken along the Canada-U.S. border.
Representatives from the governments of Canada and Ontario, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), Bridging North America and the Howe family gathered Sunday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and hockey game to mark the historic opening.
The project was delivered by Bridging North America, a consortium of Aecon Group Inc., ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc. and Fluor Canada Ltd., working with WDBA.
“We are incredibly proud of the central role Aecon played in constructing this once-in-a-generation landmark crossing, working with our Bridging North America partners and our client,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aecon Group Inc. “The delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a testament to the dedication and persistence of our team and partners who collaborated across borders to safely deliver this historic project.”
Construction began in October 2018, with more than 15,800 individuals, including a strong unionized workforce, contributing more than 20.1 million hours to the project.
The bridge will officially open to traffic at noon July 27, welcoming travellers to a new direct highway-to-highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate 75.
The $6.4-billion project includes the bridge, connecting roadways and Canadian and U.S. ports of entry. The bridge has six lanes, while the ports of entry feature 16 toll lanes and 60 inspection lanes for Canada and U.S. agencies.
“At Bridging North America, we’re proud to lead a workforce of thousands who have brought this project to substantial completion,” said David Henderson, CEO of Bridging North America. “Their work ethic, precision and collaboration with each other and WDBA are the foundation of our success.
The opening follows Bridging North America’s achievement of the contractual milestone of substantial completion. Bridging North America is now beginning the 30-year operations, maintenance and rehabilitation component of its project contract.
The new crossing is the first new bridge between Ontario and Michigan in more than 60 years and is designed to improve the movement of commercial and passenger traffic through a major Canada-U.S. trade corridor.
Its two towers rise 220 metres, or about 720 feet, making them among the tallest structures in the region. The bridge’s main span is the longest for a cable-stayed bridge in North America.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will support increased trade and good-paying jobs on both sides of the border,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This bridge is a testament to the incredible legacy of Gordie Howe, and to the millions of Americans and Canadians who work together every day to make both of our countries more secure, safe and prosperous.”
The project also includes connecting ports of entry that are the largest along the Canada-U.S. border.
“After nearly 25 years of planning and construction, the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge marks a defining moment for Windsor-Essex,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said at the official opening. “This once-in-a-generation infrastructure project will strengthen one of the world’s most important trade corridors, move people and goods more efficiently between Canada and the United States, and unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation and economic growth.”
The project has involved not only the construction workforce but also multiple Canadian and U.S. border agencies preparing to operate the new facilities.
Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Food and Drug Administration have worked together to prepare their facilities, train staff and coordinate the transition to the new crossing.
With the bridge opening, Bridging North America moves from the construction phase into a three-decade period of operations, maintenance and rehabilitation, marking a new phase for one of Canada’s largest recent transportation infrastructure projects.
