Michigan Interchange

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project requires significant construction activity, including the demolition and removal of existing infrastructure, reconstruction of select roadways and bridges, and construction of new project infrastructure.

One of the project components is the connection of the US Port of Entry to Interstate-75. This Interchange project covers approximately three kilometres or 1.8 miles of I-75 between Springwells Street and Clark Street and will require modifications to accommodate the ramps connecting to the US Port of Entry (POE). The ramps are designed to minimize the impact of interstate/international traffic on roads in the vicinity of the US POE.

Michigan Interchange activities also include associated local road improvements. Over a dozen roadway and pedestrian bridges crossing I-75 and ranging in length from 30 to 518 metres or 100 to 1,700 feet will need to be constructed.

Zone One (Began in 2019)

19 properties in proximity to construction work scheduled for:

• Springwells Street auto bridge, I-75 section from Springwells Street east to Green Street,
• Livernois Avenue crossing bridge; and
• Clark Avenue crossing bridge.

Construction started in Q3 2019 and will be completed in Q2 2021.

Zone Two (2021)

Approximately 120 properties will be included in this phase of construction.

Zone Three (2022)

Five properties at the Historic Fort Wayne; local road reconstruction; Perimeter of US POE, US Bridge approach. To learn more, contact [email protected].

Construction is scheduled to begin in Q2 2022 and finish in Q2 2024.

Image above represents the overall scope of work within the three zones where construction may cause vibrations.

The boundaries for vibrational monitoring for all three zones include Springwells Street to Scotten Street along MI-75. Also included in vibrational monitoring are the lands around the US Port of Entry and the US Bridge approach that include Historic Fort Wayne and local road reconstruction.

* Zone Three timeline is subject to change due to possible construction scheduling

BNA will directly contact owners of properties identified within the three zones. Owners of properties that are not located within 150 feet of these areas will not be contacted.

Other key activities include:

• Property owners who wish to participate in the program are required to complete, sign and return a Property Owner Authorization Form to BNA.
• In cases where the owner agrees to participate in the vibration monitoring program but does not occupy the property, the occupant needs to complete and sign an Occupant Authorization Form, then return it to BNA.
• Once authorizations are in place, BNA will work with the property owner to schedule an initial survey used to determine the condition of the property prior to the start of construction. (In cases where someone other than the owner occupies the property, BNA will work with both the owner and occupant to schedule an appointment for the initial property survey.)
• BNA will schedule a second appointment to return to the property during the construction period to assess if any changes have occurred.
• Once construction in a particular zone is complete, BNA will return a third time to assess for any changes from the initial visit.

Generally speaking, vibration equipment will not be installed on participants’ private properties. BNA installs vibration monitoring equipment throughout the construction zones to measure vibration for all potentially impacted properties.

BNA will not enter properties without an appointment and personnel will be easily identifiable with identification (ID) cards. The vibration monitoring process is free of charge and will not damage properties.

If construction-related damage occurs to a property that is participating in the vibration monitoring program, BNA will work with the property owner to assess the cause and extent of the damages.

Owners of identified properties with questions about the vibration monitoring program can call the project team at 1-844-322-1773 or send an email to [email protected]

Community members living and working in the area may hear noise and feel vibration at times, depending on proximity to construction. The project team is using monitoring equipment to ensure noise and vibration remain within acceptable levels.

In accordance with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), the project team has implemented a vibration monitoring program for the owners of properties located within 150 feet (approximately 45 meters) of specific construction zones at the site of the US Port of Entry (POE) and the Michigan Interchange activities.

Learn more about the Vibration Monitoring Program

Pile driving is ongoing in various areas in support of I-75 and US POE construction activities. All pile-driving activities will occur during daytime hours and in accordance with municipal bylaws. Pile driving schedules listed are estimated timeframes subject to change and/or additional pile driving activities may be added to the schedule.

We are ready to answer your questions. For more information on pile driving or for other information regarding the Gordie Howe International bridge project, please call us at 1-844-322-1773 or email [email protected]

To meet requirements included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), Bridging North America (BNA) is constructing noise walls (traffic sound barriers) along three sections of southbound I-75 to help mitigate highway noise for nearby residents. The noise walls are being built between I-75 and the service drives on state-owned land and will not affect sidewalks on the service drives. Noise wall locations include:

• Noise wall one: Green Street to Waterman Street
• Noise wall two: Dragoon Street to Junction Street
• Noise wall three: Junction Street to Clark Street

Construction of noise walls began in January 2023 and will continue until the end of the year. Construction started at noise wall one and will move east toward noise wall two and three. 

• Drill shafts are being installed approximately 20-70 feet into the ground to provide a foundation for the noise walls. 
• Post installations will follow to support the noise wall precast concrete panels. 
• Noise wall panel installations will take place once post installations are complete. Noise walls will be precast concrete panels. See details on noise wall aesthetics below. 

Single lane closures of northbound I-75 Service Drive will be in place as needed to accommodate noise wall construction. Short-term Northbound I-75 lane closures may also occur for mobilization of construction equipment

The noise walls will be precast concrete panels, approximately eight inches in width, and will range from 10 feet to 20 feet in height depending on location. Nosie wall panels will connect to form a continuous noise barrier.

Noise wall colours will alternate between a limestone pattern finish, and various grays. Where space is available trees, shrubs and grasses will be added.

The wall colours will alternate between a limestone pattern finish, and various grays. Once the Gordie Howe International Bridge project is open to the public, MDOT will be responsible for maintenance of the noise walls as part of the interstate system.

• Noise Wall Fact Sheet
• Online Information Session for Noise Walls – January 11, 2022
• Watch the Michigan Interchange Noise Wall Meeting – January 11, 2022

As part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, an eight-foot security wall will be built along the US Port of Entry (POE) facing Jefferson Avenue, which will span from Green Street to Campbell Street. Construction of the barrier wall will occur in spring/summer 2024.

The wall will feature an aesthetic treatment that pays tribute to Historic Fort Wayne’s unique star fort structure. This design applies a star-like pattern through decorative concrete with raised corners and edges to create a faceted surface that will play with natural light to create shadows and enhance the complex geometry of the wall. Warm reddish brick tones further inspired by the Fort will add subtle color effects, while also complimenting the adjacent landscaping.  

The barrier will be an opaque, non-climbable security wall that will be located within the 85-100 foot landscaped perimeter of the US POE. This green space will be publicly accessible and include a multi-use path that will connect Campbell and Green Street, with pockets of native pollinator-positive plantings throughout.

The Jefferson barrier wall design was selected following community consultation that occurred in 2019, in accordance with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the Record of Decision (ROD) commitments. 

Feedback was collected on three aesthetic design options through public meetings and an online public survey, which resulted in more than 680 votes. Over half of the votes received identified preference for the selected design. Municipal, state and federal agencies were also consulted, resulting in further refinements to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.  

People with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team toll-free at 1-844-322-1773 or send an email to [email protected].