Although the Gordie Howe International Bridge is not yet open, it has already left an impact on the Windsor-Detroit region and on the life of Lindsay Bennett.
As Environmental Manager for Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), Bennett ensures the construction of the bridge, the ports of entry and the Michigan Interchange do not have a harmful impact on the environment. She also verifies the project is compliant with the Bridge to Strengthen Trade Act in Canada.
Bennett says this project holds a deep personal significance -- a tribute to the memory of her husband’s late uncle, Dave Cakebread, whose passion for the bridge project continues to inspire her every day.
A Legacy of Passion
Bennett remembers how Cakebread, a proud Windsorite, was captivated by the infrastructure project being built in his own backyard. Long before construction began, he often envisioned what the bridge would look like, excited by the promise of a legacy project that would redefine the region.
For nearly a decade, Cakebread followed the progress from the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway construction to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project’s evolution with an unwavering sense of pride and curiosity. Once work on the bridge commenced, Cakebread’s connection to the project grew even stronger. He routinely drove by the site on roads bordering the project footprint, watching as the two towers rose from their foundations to an impressive height of 722 feet, the bridge deck stretched out over the Detroit River, and the 218 stay cables were installed.
“Like a lot of people in Windsor, he was excited to see something so big happen here,” Bennett recalls. “It was one of the great projects he had the privilege of seeing built in this area.”
In his retirement, Cakebread continued to share his love for the project with others. His daughter often printed photos and updates for him to share with fellow residents in his retirement community. His enthusiasm for the bridge became contagious, with many people eagerly awaiting his reports after he returned from his drives.
Honouring His Memory
Bennett says the Gordie Howe International Bridge represented two of Cakebread’s dreams: to live to the age of 80 and to see the bridge deck connect across the Detroit River. Sadly, he passed away in his 80th year in April 2024, two months before the historic bridge connection in June 2024.
Bennett, who has worked on the project for eight years, now carries Cakebread’s passion with her every day. Knowing how much it meant to him adds a special layer of meaning to her role.
“It’s incredibly humbling to share this experience even though he’s no longer here,” says Bennett, who honours Cakebread’s memory by carrying his photo with her while working on site and sharing his story with fellow co-workers.
A Personal Connection to Progress
For Bennett and many others, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project is more than steel and concrete. It’s a symbol of connection -- between countries, communities, and even generations.
“Everyone in Windsor has a story about how the Gordie Howe International Bridge is part of their life, whether they have a family member involved in the project, an interest in construction or just excitement about what it means for the city,” adds Bennett. “For me, it’s about honouring my husband’s uncle and the love he had for this project. It’s something I’ll always carry with me.”
