Preliminary early works on bridge – the second to span the Detroit River ? between Detroit, Michigan in the US and Windsor, in the Canadian province of Ontario have started. A main contractor is likely to be appointed by mid next year.
The first phase of early works has focused on fill placement, construction of a perimeter access road and minor utility relocations on the Canadian side of the river, noted the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, a not-for-profit Canadian government corporation. The WDBA is managing the procurement for design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the bridge through a public-private partnership for which the WDBA is also responsible for project oversight.
Local media reports said that the WDBA has acquired the necessary land in both countries. This includes paying $22 million for 351 properties in Detroit, some of which belonged to the Moroun family, the American owner of the Ambassador Bridge, the only bridge now across the river.
Manuel “Matty” Moroun has reportedly been trying to put together a project to build another span across the river in a continuing political and economic tussle over the Canadian project. The Gordie Howe toll bridge could threaten toll income on the Ambassador Bridge.
Canada has already completed a major access road, the Herb Gray Parkway, on the Canadian side.
Opening of the bridge is likely to be 2022.
The WDBA recently announced that the new bridge would have pedestrian and cycle access, a move welcomed by the governor of Michigan state and the Canadian government.
A spokesperson for the WBDA said that the contract being tendered will be for maintenance over 30 years.
Construction of the US$2.1 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to start in late 2018, according to the authority in charge of the project.
