Construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge reached a milestone in July with the median closure connecting the center of the 1.5-mile-long bridge. Although the work is not yet complete, the connection makes it the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest in the world.
“The bridge deck connection underscores our unwavering commitment to building a legacy infrastructure project to the highest standards of quality and safety,” said David Henderson, CEO of joint venture contractor Bridging North America (BNA ), in a statement. The JV includes Fluor, ACS Infrastructure Canada and Aecon Group Inc.
BNA started work in 2018 on both sides of the bridge. The contract is worth about $4.8 billion, including 30 years of operation and maintenance by Fluor and ACS as part of a P3 with the owner, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Each side of the bridge has 27 deck segments, which left a 36-foot gap between the two sides. Making the central connection involved a four-week process of placing temporary curves and installing the steel girders, girders and precast concrete panels before removing the curves.
Photo courtesy of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025 spanning 0.53 miles over the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit. It will have six lanes and a multipurpose path. Work is underway on the surface of the bridge, with crews placing 10.62-inch-thick concrete for the approach spans. Once complete, they will place a 1.97-inch-thick road surface of latex-modified concrete.
The readjustment of the bridge’s 216 tie-rods is expected to be completed this summer. Crews are also installing electrical systems, drainage infrastructure and firefighting equipment. Next year, the team plans to build a peregrine falcon nest box under the bridge deck.
The project also includes the construction of ports of entry on both sides of the border and an interchange on the U.S. side of Interstate 75 with four highway bridges, five pedestrian bridges and four interchange ramps.
“While today we celebrate the physical connection of the roof, it gives us the opportunity to look to the very near future, when we will see truck drivers making their way to deliver their goods to the market, travelers heading to work and return home and tourists enjoying the views that link our two countries from the multi-use path,” said Charl van Niekerk, director general of the bridge authority.
