Talks continue between contractors and client for a new opening date for the Gordie Howe International Bridge after the original date in 2024 recedes.
It was late last year that discussions were first reported between the joint venture of Bridging North America (BNA) - comprising of ACS Infrastructure Canada, Fluor Canada and Aecon Concessions – and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the international authority that is overseeing construction on behalf of the Canadian government.
Meanwhile, the authority says that 2023 will see major advancement of the bridge deck stretching over the Detroit River. By December, the deck had been constructed up to and slightly beyond both pylons which sit on the banks of the river.
“Work has begun on the pylon heads of both the Canadian and US bridge towers now the transition areas connecting the tower legs are complete,” said Heather Grondin, vice-president of corporate affairs for the authority. “Over the next year, it is anticipated the towers will reach their full height [220m] and road deck construction over the Detroit River will begin.”
The tolled six-lane cable-stayed bridge – costing around US$4.2 billion - will connect the city of Windsor in the Canadian province of Ontario with Detroit in the neighbouring US state of Michigan. Currently, the privately owned and tolled Ambassador Bridge is the major transportation link for goods between the two countries – the busiest commercial link for both nations. The bridge will also have a dedicated pedestrian and cyclist path.
Work is progressing on the tolling plaza on the Canadian side, including 11 buildings and canopy structures, as well as initial work to connect the bridge to the nearby Herb Gray Parkway and Highway 401 which will see vehicles bypass the centre of Windsor. Similar work is proceeding on the US side.
The bridge is not a US-Canada project but is being built solely by Canada, funded by the federal and provincial governments. The joint venture of Bridging North America (BNA) - comprising of ACS Infrastructure Canada, Fluor Canada and Aecon Concessions - is private-sector construction partner of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, the international authority that is overseeing construction on behalf of the Canadian government.
WDBA is responsible for the design, build, finance, operation and maintenance of the Canadian and US Ports of Entry and the bridge. WDBA is also is responsibility for the design, build and finance of the Michigan Interchange under a public-private partnership agreement. The US state of Michigan will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Michigan Interchange.
