News Release
CONSTRUCTION AHEAD ON GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE PROJECT
WINDSOR, ONTARIO – Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announced today that they have signed a fixed-priced contract with Bridging North America to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Today’s announcement also signifies that all contractual steps have been completed and construction can begin.
The fixed-priced contract is valued at $5.7 billion (nominal value), which includes the design-build (DB) phase and the operation, maintenance, rehabilitation (OMR) phase. Bridging North America will receive progress payments during construction and a substantial completion payment at the end of construction. They will also receive monthly payments for operations and maintenance over the 30-year concession (operating) period. The performance-based contract with Bridging North America is structured to ensure that the contractor has the appropriate incentives to meet or exceed the long-term objectives of safety, reliability and capacity WDBA has set for the project.
Bridging North America has presented a 74-month construction schedule to complete the four components of the project with the bridge expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
Bridging North America has been meeting with local companies, organizations and unions to discuss opportunities for partnerships. Representatives have also met with educational institutions to help develop the next generation of skilled trade workers. They anticipate the creation of 2,500 direct, on-site jobs including direct hires, sub-contractors and seconded individuals as well as significant economic benefits that extend to the whole region.
The new Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide for redundancy at the busiest trade corridor between Canada and the United States with improved border processing and highway-to-highway international connectivity. It also addresses future needs and will provide six lanes to meet anticipated growth in traffic over the years to come. With features like a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, LEED Silver rating for buildings and a robust Community Benefits Plan, the project will result in not only economic opportunities but positive environmental and community impacts as well.
Quotes:
“We made a commitment to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and today is the start of a new chapter for Windsor and Detroit, as well as Canada and the US. This vital corridor will enhance trade opportunities with tremendous growth possibilities on both sides of the river. The project will be built to the highest standards of engineering incorporating sustainability, aesthetics and functionality. It is a shining example of collaboration between our two nations.”
Dwight Duncan, Chair, WDBA Board of Directors
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a stunning addition to Windsor and Detroit’s shared skyline. Its modern yet timeless design married with advanced technology represents the future of international border crossings. The staff at WDBA, along with our consultants and partners are pleased to welcome Bridging North America to the “Gordie Howe” team and we are proud to work together on this history-in- the-making infrastructure project.”
Bryce Phillips, CEO, WDBA
Quick facts
- WDBA selected Bridging North America as a result of an extensive, open, fair and competitive public-private partnership procurement process that began in July 2015.
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be publicly-owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan.
- The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership (P3), an innovative way of financing and delivery of large, complex public infrastructure projects and for this project has resulted in a savings of approximately $562.8 million or 10.7% as compared to traditional procurement methods.
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge project includes plans to engage a workforce reflective of the region’s diversity, local infrastructure improvements and environmental benefits focused toward the communities of Windsor-Essex, Detroit and Canadian Indigenous Peoples.
- The public is invited to join the Government of Canada and project representatives at a community celebration to mark the start of the project construction on October 5, 2018, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Senator David A. Croll Park (73 University Ave. E) in Windsor.
Related Products
9 Things to Know About Aesthetics Principles
9 Things to Know About Construction
9 Things to Know About Community Benefits
9 Things to Know About Sandwich Street Improvements
9 Things to Know About Detroit Street Improvements
About Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to manage the procurement process for the design, building, financing, operation and maintenance of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is also responsible for project oversight. For more information on WDBA visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com and follow WDBA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
- 30 -
Mark Butler
Director of Communications
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
519-946-4859 / 519-551-1612
