In the bustling Windsor-Detroit corridor, trade flow between Canada and the United States is about to get even smoother thanks to the new Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI.
As of July, 2024, after the successful completion the bridge deck between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan now complete, the Gordie Howe International Bridge became an official border crossing. The new the Gordie Howe International Bridge will enhance the flow of goods and services, offering a critical alternative at the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States—creating thousands of jobs and opportunities on both sides of the border.
With six lanes, border inspection plazas, and seamless connections to Highway 401 in Ontario and Interstate-75 in Michigan, the new bridge will redefine regional connectivity and economic vitality. The Windsor-Detroit trade corridor is the busiest commercial land border crossing on the Canada-U.S. border, handling 31 per cent of Canada-U.S. trade carried by truck. Every year, over approximately 2.5 million trucks carrying over $100 billion in trade use this corridor.
CRITICAL LAND BORDER CROSSING
“Canada and the United States have always done big things, together,” said The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, to mark the historic accomplishment. “As the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of just that. Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security.”
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge project addresses critical regional transportation needs,” says Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). “It will provide redundancy, increased capacity, improved system connectivity, and enhanced border processing efficiency.” Emphasizing its significance, she added, “As the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the U.S., this project is pivotal for the economies of Ontario, Michigan, and beyond.”
HONORING A LEGEND: GORDIE HOWE
Named after hockey icon Gordie Howe, the bridge symbolizes cross-border unity and shared heritage, and is a testament to his enduring impact on both sides of the border. Gordie Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan, and during his career was known as “Mr. Hockey”. He has distinguished himself as one of the most prolific and talented hockey players of all time. “Gordie Howe’s legacy as a Canadian who played prominently for the Detroit Red Wings resonates deeply in Windsor and Detroit,” says Grondin.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first to announce the bridge would honour Mr. Howe in 2015. “I am pleased to be here at this critical border crossing to announce that the future publicly-owned bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” he said at the time. “Mr. Hockey, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, is a proud Canadian who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories, building extraordinary goodwill between our two countries. It is my sincere hope that this bridge, which bears his name, will continue this proud legacy by accelerating the flow of people, merchandise and services between our great nations for years to come.”
“In 2023, both iconic bridge towers reached their full height of 220 meters,” says Grondin. “The bridge deck, spanning 853 meters over the Detroit River, now stands as North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge.”
The project’s Community Benefits Plan reflects input from Windsor and Detroit communities, as well. “It aims to foster local development and participation, with a $23 million investment in initiatives like workforce development and neighborhood infrastructure,” says Grondin, underscoring the bridge’s role not just as infrastructure but as a catalyst for social and economic progress.
P3 MODEL
The project’s funding model, a public-private partnership (P3) with Bridging North America, has been proven to be very effective for large infrastructure builds such as this for its optimization of resource allocation and risk management, ensuring sustainable project delivery.
“Under this model,” says Grondin, “the private sector handles design, construction, and maintenance while the public sector ensures long-term benefits.” This collaborative approach recognizing the project’s sustainability and community impact, Grondin shared, “We’ve received accolades like the Envision Platinum Award and recognition for our environmental stewardship and community engagement efforts.” These awards affirm the project team’s commitment to excellence and innovation in infrastructure development.
OVER 12,000 JOBS
“The bridge project has created over 12,000 jobs, with a substantial local workforce,” Grondin highlighted. “Once operational, it will bolster trade security with advanced border processing technologies and dedicated facilities for customs agencies.”
Looking ahead, “The bridge will enhance cross-border trade, aligning with USMCA goals and fostering economic resilience post-pandemic. Seeing ironworkers from both nations unite atop the bridge embodies the spirit of collaboration and accomplishment,” says Grondin, adding, “The Gordie Howe International Bridge will strengthen bilateral trade relations and economic ties, supporting regional growth and prosperity.”
For more information, please visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en
