The new Gordie Howe International Bridge is taking shape and is expected to be opened next year. Speaking on this week’s edition of the Michigan Department of Transportation Podcast, Talking Transportation, the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority’s Heather Grondin said she’s been working on the project for 17 years, while it all started in 2000. It was a long fight before the project got rolling, and now Grondin said the end is getting close.
“2022 really saw the team working the most hours and starting to do the most complex aspects of the construction of the project, and that’s just continued into 2023,” Grondin said.
The project faced additional challenges in the pandemic.
“Bridging North America, our private sector partner, put in very good safety precautions, health and safety precautions, across the construction sites, and as a result of that, the pandemic didn’t stop construction. Construction has continued every single day.”
However, Grondin said there were days with fewer workers on site. The towers, when complete, will be more than 700 feet tall. They’re currently at about 560 feet. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be the largest cable span in North America. Grondin said it was designed with more than transportation in mind as it came with a community benefits plan and there will be pedestrian access, toll free.
