Construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge could start in mid-2018

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. 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
May 12, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
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.


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.

Road Structures

Related Content

  • Flatiron and Dragados win Corpus Christi Bridge deal
    June 25, 2015
    The Texas Transportation Commission has conditionally awarded the two companies, Flatiron and Dragados the contract to design, build and operate a new cable stayed Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge.
    Read More
  • Manitowoc MLC650 cranes keep Champlain Bridge on track
    October 28, 2016
    Two Manitowoc MLC650s are working on a project to replace the Champlain Bridge that spans the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal, Canada. The engineering consortium - Signature on the Saint Lawrence Construction (SSLC) – is assigned to the task. The capacity and reduced ground preparation made possible by the MLC650’s VPC-MAX attachment – as well as the ease of use of its Crane Control System (CCS) – are helping the team stay on schedule. The Champlain Bridge connects one of North America’s busiest road
    Read More
  • Major Canadian toll road extension project awarded
    May 25, 2012
    A joint venture formed by SNC Lavalin and Cintra Infrastructure will handle the contract to extend Highway 407 in Canada. This US$974.4 million (C$1 billion) deal was awarded by the authorities in Ontario to a joint-venture called the 407 East Development Group General Partnership and is a partnership between Spanish firm Cintra (a subsidiary of Ferrovial) and Canadian company SNC-Lavalin of Canada. The partnership will build, design and maintain Phase 1 of the new Highway 407 East. The construction work is
    Read More
  • Paying for road development
    April 21, 2016
    All around the world, road expansion and maintenance is both necessary and ongoing. In the developed nations the focus is more on road maintenance and widening, while developing nations are concentrating on new road construction. Road networks are crucial to economic development as well as political stability, which often go hand in hand. The massive growth in the US economy from the 1950s onwards was boosted strongly by the development of the country’s interstate network. But in recent times, funding
    Read More

Highlighted Content