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2024 – A year of momentum for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project

2024 – A year of momentum for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

Iron workers shaking hands

2024 was monumental for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project with achievements that were both on public display and behind-the-scenes. 

In honour of the jersey number our namesake, Gordie Howe, famously wore throughout his hockey career, here are the project’s top nine highlights that defined 2024.

  • Construction on the Michigan Interchange progressed to the point where the final steps are now underway for the ramps that will connect I-75 to the US Port of Entry. Construction also advanced on five new pedestrian bridges and siphons.
  • Highlighting the commitment to communicating and building connections with community members, the project team received over 900 public and media inquiries, participated in nearly 400 meetings and events, distributed 19 email newsletters to over 2,700 subscribers, and gained 18,000 social media followers.
  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge became the first international border crossing to join the Trans Canada Trail. The multi-use path on the bridge is a physical representation of the project’s commitment to sustainability. It will be toll free and accommodate two-way pedestrian and cyclist traffic, connecting the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Windsor, Ontario to the Iron Belle Trail and the Great Lakes Way in Detroit, Michigan.
  • At the Canadian and US Ports of Entry, construction activities progressed on all 11 structures at the Canadian POE and all 13 structures at the US POE. In addition, landscaping and paving work for the 16 toll lanes and 24 primary inspection lanes in Canada and 36 primary inspection lanes in the US continued at a rapid rate.  Once complete, the two Ports of Entry will be the largest land ports of entry along the Canada-US border.
  • The top highlight in 2024 – the connection of the bridge deck over the Detroit River, making the main span of the Gordie Howe International Bridge the longest of any cable-stayed bridge in North America. The final girders for this incredible feat of engineering were installed in June, an emotional moment for workers who were part of building the newest border crossing between Ontario and Michigan in more than 60 years.