Significant progress is being made in the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, as the bridge decking is currently underway across the River. The construction is proceeding smoothly, and the bridge is steadily approaching its towering height of 220 meters. On both sides of the river, construction activities are in full swing as they gear up for a bustling summer season. The primary focus at the moment is the installation of cable stays, which will connect the bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.
Heather Grondin, the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and External Relations for the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), emphasized that they are currently in the midst of the most intensive construction phase they have experienced thus far. A dedicated workforce of approximately 2,000 employees is tirelessly working across all aspects of the project to ensure the bridge is completed on schedule. Grondin proudly shared that more than 9,000 individuals have contributed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in some capacity, with 42% of them hailing from Windsor or Detroit. The progress is undeniable, with the towers on each side of the river ascending to nearly 200 meters.
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge is well on schedule to open in summer of 2024
Bridging North America, the contracted construction company, is utilizing an innovative imbalanced cantilever technique. To attach the cable supports from the towers to the bridge deck as the towers continue to rise. On each side, more than 30 cables have already been successfully installed in Gordie Howe International Bridge. Once completed, each side will showcase over 200 cable stays, resembling elegant boat sails. Grant Hilbers, the Vice President of Engineering at WDBA, explained the construction process. Stating, “As each section of the bridge is constructed, new cables or stays are installed to transfer the load. Allowing construction to advance and supporting the weight as the next section takes shape.” Each connected cable contributes to the gradual extension of the bridge deck across the river.
Presently, eight out of the 27 bridge deck sections have been installed on both the Canadian and American sides. Eventually, the Gordie Howe International Bridge sections will seamlessly connect in the center. Hilbers revealed that once all sections are in place. The final lock section will be installed, anticipated to occur in the summer of 2024. Bridging North America is diligently adhering to the completion timeline, targeting November 2024 for the bridge’s grand opening. Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve as a pivotal link between the two cities. It will be facilitating smooth transportation and stimulating remarkable economic growth in the region.
